Egypt Icons & Nile Cruise
Ten unhurried days from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Upper Egypt, threaded together by a three-night Nile cruise.
Overview
This is the full sweep of Egypt, paced to be lived rather than ticked off. You begin in Cairo with the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, take a day on the Mediterranean at Alexandria, then ride the sleeper train south to Aswan. From there a three-night Nile cruise carries you downstream past Kom Ombo and Edfu to Luxor, where the temples of Karnak and the royal tombs of the West Bank wait. You return to Cairo for the Pyramids of Giza and the timeworn lanes of Islamic Cairo. Travel is private throughout, led by your own Egyptologist.
Itinerary
Cairo & the Egyptian Museum
- Private meet-and-greet at Cairo International Airport
- Transfer to your 5-star hotel and welcome briefing
- Afternoon at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir — the royal collections and gold of the New Kingdom
Alexandria on the Mediterranean
- Drive to Alexandria along the desert road
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Pompey's Pillar
- Citadel of Qaitbay on the old Pharos site and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Seafront seafood lunch before returning to Cairo
Coptic Cairo & overnight train to Aswan
- Hanging Church, Abu Serga and the lanes of Old Cairo
- Early evening transfer to the station
- Board the sleeper train south to Aswan with private cabins and dinner aboard
Aswan & embarkation
- Arrive Aswan and visit the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Sail by motorboat to the island Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis
- Board your Nile cruise ship and settle in for lunch on the river
Sailing to Kom Ombo & Edfu
- Morning sail downstream through the Nile valley
- Kom Ombo, the twin temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder
- Continue to Edfu and the great Temple of Horus, the best-preserved in Egypt
Esna lock & arrival in Luxor
- Sail through the Esna lock as the valley opens out
- Afternoon arrival in Luxor with time to rest aboard
- Optional sound-and-light evening at Karnak (extra)
Luxor East Bank
- Karnak, the largest temple complex of the ancient world
- Luxor Temple in the heart of the city
- Disembark and transfer to your Luxor hotel
West Bank & train to Cairo
- Valley of the Kings and the tomb-painted hills of Thebes
- Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon
- Evening sleeper train back to Cairo
Giza & Saqqara
- The Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx
- Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, the world's oldest stone monument
- Panoramic viewpoint across the Giza plateau
Islamic Cairo & departure
- Saladin Citadel and the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar for a last wander
- Private transfer to the airport for your departure
Included & not included
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout
- 9 nights' accommodation — 5-star hotels and a deluxe Nile cruise
- 3-night full-board Nile cruise, Aswan to Luxor
- Sleeper-train berths Cairo↔Upper Egypt (both directions)
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Lunch on each touring day
- Private air-conditioned transfers
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Bottled water every day
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa
- Tipping (gratuities)
- Personal expenses
- Optional extras — Abu Simbel, camel rides, dinner cruise, drinks
Good to know
Is the Nile cruise private?
You travel with your own Egyptologist and private transfers, but the cruise ship itself is shared with other guests. Cabins are private and all sightseeing is run as a private group.
How do the overnight trains work?
You travel in a private sleeper cabin with dinner and breakfast served aboard. It saves a daytime transfer and arrives refreshed for the morning's sightseeing.
Can Abu Simbel be added?
Yes. Abu Simbel is offered as an optional extra from Aswan, by short flight or road convoy, and is best added on the Aswan day. We arrange it on request.
What is the best time of year to travel?
October to April brings comfortable temperatures across both Cairo and Upper Egypt. Summer is hot in the south, so we start early and rest in the afternoons.
Is this journey right for you?
- Travellers who prefer a private, guided experience
- Those with a deep interest in ancient history and culture
- Visitors who want a curated itinerary rather than self-guided travel
- Anyone seeking high-quality, professionally managed logistics
- Travellers seeking large group or coach tours
- Budget-focused independent backpackers
- Visitors looking primarily for nightlife or beach holidays
Preparation reading
Guides to help you prepare for this journey.
Egypt Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt — visa requirements, the best time to go, getting around, top destinations, culture and practical essentials.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt's best travel season is October to April, when Nile Valley temperatures are mild and monuments are comfortable to explore. Here is what to expect season by season and destination by destination.
Getting Around Egypt
How to travel between Egypt's cities and sites — domestic flights, high-speed trains, Nile cruises, the Cairo Metro, taxis and private transfers explained.
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Talk to a local expert
Our team lives and breathes Egypt travel. Share what draws you here — we'll help you design the journey that fits.