12 Day Egypt Itinerary – Cairo & Nile Cruise with Hurghada

  • Duration12 Days 11 Nights
  • Trip TypePrivate Tours
  • AvailabilityEveryday

Set off on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Egypt’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Start in Cairo, exploring the iconic Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and ancient sites in Saqqara and Memphis. Discover treasures at the Egyptian Museum and wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Fly to Aswan to visit the High Dam and Philae Temple before boarding your Nile cruise. Experience the majestic temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu, and delve into the wonders of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings. Relax in the coastal city of Hurghada with two open days for leisure activities. Conclude your adventure with a cultural exploration of Old Cairo, visiting significant Coptic and Islamic landmarks, and enjoy a serene felucca ride on the Nile. Depart with cherished memories of Egypt’s timeless allure.

What to Expect

Explore Egypt’s iconic Giza Pyramids, ancient temples in Luxor and Aswan, historic Cairo landmarks, and enjoy leisure days in Hurghada, including desert safaris and Nile cruises.

  • Guided tour of the Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx, Saqqara, and Memphis.
  • Visit to the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
  • Flight to Aswan, with tours of the High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk.
  • Explore Kom Ombo Temple and sail to Luxor on a Nile cruise.
  • Visit Edfu Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.
  • Tours of Karnak and Luxor Temples followed by transfer to Hurghada for relaxation.
  • Free days in Hurghada with optional desert safari and leisure activities.
  • Return to Cairo and explore Old Cairo, Coptic and Islamic landmarks, with a Nile felucca ride.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! Upon landing at Cairo Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative, who will assist with the formalities and take you to your hotel for some rest after your flight. Spend the evening relaxing and familiarizing yourself with your itinerary.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Welcome Drink

Day 2Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided tour to visit the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple of Khafra. After a lunch break, you’ll continue to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid, and then to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt.

Optional Evening: Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Following breakfast, your tour includes the Egyptian Museum, where you’ll see ancient artifacts. You’ll then visit the Saladin Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque. After lunch, you’ll stroll through Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, the oldest market in Cairo.

Overnight Optional: 1-hour Nile Felucca ride or Cairo Tower Tour.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4Fly to Aswan & Aswan City Tour

After breakfast, you’ll fly to Aswan, where you’ll board your Nile cruise. The day includes visits to the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk.

 Overnight on Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day 5Tour to Kom Ombo Temple

Today, after breakfast, you’ll visit Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Enjoy the rest of the day on board, with lunch, dinner, and free time as you sail to Luxor.

 Overnight on Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day 6Edfu Temple & Luxor West Bank Tour

After breakfast, you’ll explore Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, and then sail to Luxor to visit the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon

 Overnight on Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day 7Luxor East Bank & Transfer to Hurghada

After checking out, you’ll visit Karnak and Luxor Temples before heading to Hurghada by private vehicle. Once you arrive, you’ll check into your hotel and relax.

 Overnight in Hurghada
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8Open Day in Hurghada

Enjoy a free day in Hurghada, with optional activities such as a Bedouin Village Desert Safari.

 Overnight in Hurghada
 Meals: Breakfast

Day 9Open Day in Hurghada

Enjoy a free day in Hurghada.

 Overnight in Hurghada
 Meals: Breakfast

Day 10Open Day in Hurghada & Return to Cairo

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day in Hurghada. In the evening, you’ll return to Cairo for an overnight stay.

 Overnight in Hurghada
 Meals: Breakfast

Day 11Discovering Old Cairo

Today, we explored the vibrant district of Old Cairo, visiting the Fortress of Babylon, the Church of St. Barbara, and the Hanging Church. We also delved into Coptic history at the Coptic Museum.

After a delicious lunch, we ventured into Islamic Cairo, admiring the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifai Mosque. We concluded the day with a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile River.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12Final Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast in Egypt before heading to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you wonderful memories of your trip.

 Meals: Breakfast

Price Includes

  • Meet and Assist at the airport.
  • Our assistance during your stay.
  • All transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Accommodation for 5 nights in Cairo hotel with breakfast.
  • Accommodation for 3 nights on Cruise + all meals included.
  • Accommodation for 3 nights in Hurghada hotel with breakfast.
  • Domestic Flights – Cairo / Aswan
  • Private guided tours.
  • Local Lunch in a good local restaurant.
  • Entry fees to all sites as per itinerary.
  • Bottled water during trips.
  • All service charges & taxes.

Price Excludes

  • Entry visa to Egypt
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional Activities
  • Tipping

Prices & Accommodations

Affordable Package (4 Stars)

Accommodation & Price
  • Cairo Hotels: Jaz Pyramids Resort – Barceló Cairo Pyramids – Swiss In Golf or Similar
  • Hurghada Hotels: Mercure Hurghada or Similar
  • Cruises: Radamis – Princess Sarah – Royal Princess or Similar
  October – April
Double Room $2000
Single Room $3220

Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

Golden Package (5 Stars)

Accommodation & Price
  • Cairo Hotels: Steigenberger – Hilton Dream – Helnan Dream or Similar
  • Hurghada Hotels: Continental – Swiss Inn or similar.
  • Cruises: Blue Shadow – Paradise – Nile Premium or Similar
  October – April
Double Room $2300
Single Room $3800

Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

Platinum Package (Ultra Deluxe)

Accommodation & Price
  • Cairo Hotels: Hyatt Regency – Sofitel El Gezirah – Kempinski Nile or Similar
  • Hurghada Hotels: Kai Sol Romance Resort – Pickalbatros Palace Hurghada or Similar
  • Cruises: Acamar – Movenpick Lily or Lotus – Serenity – or Similar
  October – April
Double Room $4500
Single Room $7700

Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

Prices

  • Prices are in US dollars per person per trip and you can pay in any other currency.
  • Prices are subject to change in case of any changes in airport taxes, hotel rates, transportation rates or government taxes.
  • Prices are not valid during the Christmas or New Year period.
  • The offer does not include travel insurance and entry visa fees.

Tipping in Egypt

Tips are not included in any of our packages and are entirely at the discretion of the traveler. Although they are not mandatory, they are of great importance to the people who are taking care of you while you travel.

Additional Expenses

Additional personal expenses on the trip may include a food tour, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, visa fees, entertainment expenses, and other services not included.

The following items include additional costs during the trip:

  • For visa fees, please review your visa and passport information.
  • Additional transportation you require.
  • Graves to your guide and driver after the trip.
  • In the event of unforeseen events such as bad weather and eventual flight cancellations, you are responsible for additional hotel nights and meals.

Optional Visits and Entrance Tickets:

All our packages and tours in Egypt do not include entrance fees to special archaeological sites such as entering the inside of the pyramids, the mummies’ room in the museum, or entering the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

Booking, Cancellation & Children Policy

Booking Confirmation Policy

  • The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking.
  • We are offering a low down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on tour, including hotel rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flight tickets, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days before your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination to your tour manager, making you’re booking a risk-free investment.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation after confirmation with payment before 30 days of the commencement of the tour: 10% of the value of the tour package.
  • Canceling the tour 30 to 20 days before the commencement of the tour: 25% of the value of the package
  • Canceling 19-15 days before commencing the tour: 50% of the tour cost
  • Canceling 14-11 days before the commencement of the tour: 75% of the tour cost
  • Canceling before 10 days or less before the tour date: No refund for the tour

Children Policy

  • Up to 2 years: FREE
  • Age from 2 and below 6 years: 25% of adult price
  • Age from 6 up to 11 years: 50% of adult price
  • Ages 12 and Up: adult price.

Notes:

  • Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents ( Maximum 1 Child sharing parent’s room )
  • If your tour includes airfare, additional charges for your children may apply.

Travel Advice for the 8-Day Egypt Itinerary

Best Seasons to Visit

  • October to April (Winter and Spring):
    • The most pleasant time to visit Egypt, with mild temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Ideal for exploring outdoor sites like the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor temples.
  • May to September (Summer):
    • While hotter (35°C to 45°C or 95°F to 113°F), this period can still be enjoyable, especially for travelers accustomed to warmer climates. Early morning tours and Nile breezes make it manageable.

What to wear

  • For Sightseeing:
    • Lightweight, breathable clothing made from cotton or linen to stay cool in Egypt’s warm climate.
    • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring temples and archaeological sites.
  • For Cultural Sensitivity:
    • Modest attire is recommended, especially in mosques or rural areas. Cover shoulders and knees to respect local customs.
    • A scarf or shawl for women when visiting religious sites.
  • For the Nile Cruise:
    • Casual outfits during the day.
    • A slightly dressier outfit for evening dinners or the Galabeya party.
  • Accessories:
    • A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.
    • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Cultural Etiquette

  • Photography:
    • Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.
    • Avoid photographing military installations or officials.
  • Tipping (Baksheesh):
    • Tipping is customary in Egypt. Keep small bills handy for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and local vendors.
  • Respect Religious Practices:
    • Be mindful of prayer times and avoid loud conversations or disruptions near mosques.
    • During Ramadan, public eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight hours is discouraged.
  • Interactions with Locals:
    • Egyptians are known for their hospitality. A friendly “Shukran” (thank you) or “Salaam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) goes a long way.

Additional Tips

  • Health and Safety:
    • Drink bottled water only and avoid raw or street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
    • Carry basic medications, including for motion sickness if taking a Nile cruise.
  • Currency:
    • The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is widely used. Cash is preferred in markets and smaller establishments.
  • Language:
    • While Arabic is the official language, many locals in tourist areas speak English, Spanish, and other languages.
  • Pack for the Season:
    • A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings in winter.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what’s included – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure, and more.

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