Egypt 2023: 9-Day Luxury Highlights Tour with Five-Star Nile Cruise, Luxor Temple Visit & Internal Flights
Follow the path of the pharaohs and watch history come to life on this nine-day luxury small-group tour (max. 20 travellers) through Egypt. Accompanied by an expert Egyptologist, uncover tombs preserved by desert sands in the Valley of the Kings, watch the sunset from the deck on a deluxe Nile cruise, lose yourself in the colourful chaos of Cairo’s Khan-al-Khalili bazaar and marvel at mummies and impressive treasures in the Egyptian Museum. Capture the iconic images of Egypt – the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza – rising high above the desert plateau and step back in time on an unforgettable optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abu Simbel, two stunning temples carved into the bedrock in impressive detail (charges apply).
Experience ancient wonders and modern comforts with eight luxurious nights of five-star accommodation, daily breakfast and select dining experiences, included one-way flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo, all entrance fees per the itinerary, luxury transportation throughout and so much more.
Your journey takes you to: Cairo — Luxor — Nile Cruise — Aswan — Cairo.
Your tour includes:
- Four luxurious nights of accommodation at Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
- Four-night five-star Nile cruise aboard the boutique MS Nile Paradise (or similar), offering an intimate cruising experience
- All-inclusive dining and onboard entertainment throughout your cruise
- Daily breakfast, three lunches and seven dinners
- One-way economy-class flights from Cairo to Luxor, and Aswan to Cairo
- Witness the magnificent Great Sphinx and Pyramids of the Giza Plateau
- Uncover centuries of fascinating history with entrance into the Egyptian Museum and Luxor Museum
- Explore a myriad of impressive sites including the Temple of Amun, Luxor Temple and Philae Temple
- Set sail toward the impressive Kitchener’s Island onboard a traditional felucca
- The expertise of an Egyptologist guide
- Deluxe air-conditioned transportation
- All sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi (where available)
- Roundtrip private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Enjoy seamless baggage handling, with bags delivered to your room
- Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees
Your tour begins and ends at Cairo Airport (CAI). Private roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
One-way economy class airfares are included in your package between Cairo (CAI) and Luxor (LUX), and Aswan (ASW) and Cairo (CAI). International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Please book your flights to arrive at Cairo Airport by 2pm on Day 1, and depart from Cairo Airport any time on Day 9.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Cairo on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information: Egypt
Time zone: Eastern European Standard Time +2
Telephone: +20
Currency: Egyptian Pound (LE) but USD is often accepted at tourist sites
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. There is a shortage of small change; large bills can be difficult to break.
Language: Arabic
Climate: Mild winter (November-April) and hot summer (May-October). Temperatures range between an average minimum of 14°C in winter and an average maximum of 30°C in summer.
Day 1: Arrive Cairo, Egypt
Welcome to Cairo! On arrival at Cairo Airport (CAI), you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan – a relaxing haven away from the bustle of the capital. At 6pm, join your tour director and travel companions in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting. This evening, savour the exotic and delicious flavours of Egyptian cuisine with an optional group dinner.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Optional Activity:
- Group dinner (from US$20 per person).
Day 2: Cairo
Prepare for an exceptional morning of cultural discovery as you get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza. These iconic images of Egypt, rising from the Giza Plateau, are some of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. Their sheer scale and impeccable geometry even have some believing they have unearthly origins. Allow your expert guide to dissect the theories and give you a deeper understanding of the pyramids’ creation.
Take a moment to engrave this unique sight into your memory before continuing your adventure through the heart of Cairo. Afterwards, enjoy free time to relax or choose to explore more of Cairo at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Cairo – Luxor – Nile Cruise
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before being transferred to Cairo Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR) – formally known as Thebes. This extraordinary city is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. On arrival, you’ll begin your discovery of its magnificent monuments. Walk the Avenue of the Sphinx through the remnants of much-fabled ancient Thebes, and visit Karnak’s great Temple of Amun.
Afterwards, embark on your deluxe five-star Nile Cruise onboard MS Nile Paradise, with premium facilities onboard. Continue your discovery with a stop at the remarkable Luxor Museum. Here, you can find an astonishing display of artefacts and items from Ancient Egypt’s civilisations, including pieces from Tutankhamun’s famed tomb. Your comfortable cabin awaits you tonight as you dock at Luxor, where you can witness Karnak Temple come to life with an optional sound and light show and enjoy an evening stroll through the beautifully lit complex.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Karnak sound and light show (from US$35 per person).
Day 4: Nile Cruise
This morning, catch the breeze that sweeps over the Nile and perhaps choose to rise above ancient Thebes on an optional hot air balloon ride. Float over Luxor, taking in the stunning Valley of the Kings from above, and capturing the extravagant efforts to honour the pharaohs of Egypt for eternity. Afterwards, step back onboard MS Nile Paradise and enjoy a delicious locally prepared lunch. Then, uncover the remnants of the civilisations that have shaped the fertile banks of the Nile as you visit Luxor Temple, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. This evening, watch the sunset from the deck of MS Nile Paradise as you set sail towards enchanting Edfu.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Hot air balloon ride (from US$124 per person).
Day 5: Nile Cruise
Begin the day by discovering the treasures of ancient Edfu, including one of the best-preserved monuments in Egypt – the Temple of Horus. Continue sailing upstream to the town of Kom Ombo, an agricultural settlement that has remained relatively unchanged for over a thousand years. Stroll through the charming village with your guide as you admire the traditional architecture and learn about the villagers’ way of life. Retire to MS Nile Paradise for an evening of local delicacies with a traditional onboard dinner.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Nile Cruise
Sail to the city of Aswan onboard the deluxe five-star MS Nile Paradise and swap modern comfort for Egyptian tradition with a felucca sailboat experience. Feluccas are a unique mode of transport, used along the Nile for centuries. Step onboard and set sail toward the impressive Kitchener’s Island, where you’ll visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens, mighty Aswan High Dam and the incredible surrounding monuments.
Witness impressive sights including the Temple of Isis – dedicated to the divine mother of the pharaohs – the semi-carved, unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. Dock ashore for a final evening onboard and watch the sunset behind the shimmering reflections of feluccas on the Nile as you prepare for an authentic local dining experience, accompanied by live music.
Accommodation: MS Nile Paradise or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Traditional Nubian village visit (from US$32 per person).
- Sound and light show at Philae Temple (from US$35 per person).
Day 7: Nile Cruise – Abu Simbel – Aswan – Cairo
Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the phenomenal Abu Simbel complex on a fantastic optional excursion. A must-see for all history and archaeology enthusiasts, the two massive temples were carved into the bedrock in impressive detail to honour the rule of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo (CAI). Return to the Hyatt Regency Cairo West for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Activity:
- Abu Simbel tour (from US$129 per person).
Day 8: Cairo
Your in-depth discovery of the vibrant city of Cairo continues today as you stroll the city’s streets and explore its countless treasures with your expert local guide. See the immense collection of ancient artefacts at the Egyptian Museum, Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Mohammed Ali, Hanging Church and the bustling bazaar of Khan el-Khalili. Late in the afternoon, discover the city at your own pace and take the time to rediscover your favourite sights. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your newfound friends and toast to your incredible adventure.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Depart Cairo
Your epic adventure finishes after breakfast. Make sure to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before checking out of the hotel by 11am. Complimentary transfers to Cairo Airport (CAI) are available all day.
Meals: Breakfast