Home / Egypt Private Tours / 12 Day Egypt Tour Itinerary – Cairo, Nile Cruise & Bahariya Oasis (Private Guided)
Embark on a 12 Day Egypt Tour that combines ancient wonders, desert adventure, and luxury cruising along the Nile. This carefully curated itinerary begins in Cairo, where you’ll stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, explore the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and wander through the historic Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
From there, your journey continues with a 5-star Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, sailing past timeless temples such as Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. Midway through the tour, venture off the beaten path with a 4×4 desert safari into the Bahariya Oasis, home to the stunning White Desert and Black Desert landscapes — a highlight that most Egypt Private Tours never include.
✅ Licensed Egyptologist Guide
⭐ 4.9/5 Traveler Reviews
🚤 Nile Cruise Included
🐪 Oasis Safari Experience
📍 Fully Customizable Itinerary
Secure your spot — private departures available year-round with Flexible payment plans.
When you arrive in Cairo, our warm-hearted representative will be waiting to welcome you with a smile and help you glide through all the formalities. From there, you’ll be comfortably escorted to your hotel. Once checked in, rest, explore the hotel at your own pace, and meet with our tour manager to review the details of your upcoming adventure.
After settling in, enjoy a peaceful night’s rest as you prepare for the journey that begins tomorrow.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Welcome Drink
Following breakfast at the hotel, your private Egyptology guide will meet you for a full day of exploration. You’ll start with a drive to the famous Giza Plateau, where you’ll walk amongst its ancient marvels. Afterward, your journey continues to the Valley Temple, adding layers to your experience.
Midday, you’ll pause for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Egyptian cuisine. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Saqqara to uncover more of Egypt’s deep history before heading to Memphis for the final visit of the day.
As the sun sets, you’ll return to your hotel in Cairo, where you can unwind and relax.
Optional Evening: Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After a refreshing breakfast, you’ll meet your private guide and head into the heart of Cairo. First, you’ll be escorted to the renowned Egyptian Museum, where the treasures of the pharaohs await. After a morning immersed in history, you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local eatery.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the historic Saladin Citadel, then make your way to the enchanting Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for a stroll through its bustling alleys.
At the end of this fascinating day, you’ll return to your hotel for a restful evening.
Overnight Optional: 2-hour Nile Cruise dinner with a folk dance show.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, a representative will greet you and take you to your Nile cruise. After settling into your cabin, your Egyptologist guide will lead you on an afternoon tour to explore the magnificent temples of Luxor’s East Bank.
After a rewarding day, you’ll return to the cruise ship for lunch, dinner, and a peaceful night’s rest.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast on board, your guide will take you to Luxor’s West Bank for a day of exploration. You’ll visit some of the most significant sites of ancient Egypt, all while enjoying the breathtaking views along the way.
After a day full of discoveries, you’ll return to the cruise ship for lunch and relaxation, enjoying the sun and the scenery before dinner.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Your morning begins with breakfast on board as your cruise glides along the Nile. Your guide will accompany you to Edfu and Kom Ombo temples for a day filled with impressive sites and stories.
Return to the cruise for a leisurely afternoon, where you can enjoy the weather, take a dip in the pool, and soak in the atmosphere before dinner.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, you’ll board a private vehicle for the journey to the iconic temples of Abu Simbel. Upon arrival, you’ll explore these monumental structures before heading back to your cruise.
After lunch, relax and enjoy the comforts of the cruise as you sail back along the Nile.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast and check-out, your Aswan adventure begins. Your guide will take you to explore the landmarks of this southern city before your transfer to Aswan Airport for the flight back to Cairo.
On arrival in Cairo, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in for the night.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, followed by a day of relaxation or exploration on your own. Should you wish to venture out, you may opt for an exciting day trip to Alexandria, complete with historical sites, lunch, and a return to Cairo in the evening.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
Following breakfast, you’ll embark on a journey into the Western Desert. Your private guide will lead you through Bahariya Oasis, where you’ll explore remarkable landscapes and local treasures. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the oasis before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Overnight in Bahariya
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, your adventure continues with a guided exploration of the White Desert. Along the way, you’ll visit scenic spots before returning to Cairo in the evening.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After a final breakfast at your hotel, you’ll check out and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure. With memories of Egypt’s timeless wonders, you’ll bid farewell to this incredible land.
Meals: Breakfast
| October – April | |
|---|---|
| Double Room | $2055 |
| Single Room | $3400 |
Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
| October – April | |
|---|---|
| Double Room | $2500 |
| Single Room | $4100 |
Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
| October – April | |
|---|---|
| Double Room | $4950 |
| Single Room | $8850 |
Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
💡 Tip: Ask us for price-lock options or to reserve your package at current rates.
🤝 Easy Booking Terms
✅ No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Tipping is not included in your package — but it’s an important part of Egyptian hospitality. While not mandatory, it is appreciated by drivers, guides, cruise staff, and service workers.
Suggested Guidelines:
We’ll provide a detailed tipping guide in your welcome packet to make it stress-free.
Not included but available on request:
💡 Ask your tour manager to help arrange optional experiences locally.
We understand plans change. Here’s our straightforward cancellation structure:
| Notice Period Before Tour | Refundable Amount |
|---|---|
| ≥ 30 days | 90% refund (10% fee) |
| 20–29 days | 75% refund |
| 15–19 days | 50% refund |
| 11–14 days | 25% refund |
| ≤ 10 days | Non-refundable |
💡 Need to cancel due to emergencies? We’re happy to provide documentation for your travel insurance claim.
👶 Children Policy
Note: Children rates apply when sharing a room with parents (max 1 child per room). Additional charges may apply for child airfare.
Egypt is welcoming year-round, though October to April offers the most comfortable climate for extended exploration, especially in southern regions such as Luxor and Aswan.
| Travel Window | Atmosphere & Travel Style |
|---|---|
| October – April | Ideal for cultural touring, Nile cruising, and photography. Mornings are crisp, afternoons pleasantly warm — perfect for temple visits and desert landscapes. |
| May – September | Hot and dry — suitable for travelers comfortable with heat or prioritizing quieter sites. Early starts and shaded rest breaks are recommended. |
💡 Travel Insight: The shoulder weeks in late September and early May often provide warm weather, fewer visitors, and more favorable rates — a sweet spot for those seeking balance.
Egypt rewards lightweight, breathable clothing with modest silhouettes, especially in traditional areas and religious landmarks.
Clothing & Essentials
Footwear
Day Kit Essentials
🎒 Concierge Note: A universal adapter and power bank are useful. Keep photocopies of passport and insurance in a separate pouch.
Egyptians are known for hospitality and genuine warmth. A few gestures of cultural awareness go a long way and are always remembered.
Dress & Presentation
Local Interaction
Photography Etiquette
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Major hotels, cruises, and established restaurants accept credit cards, though cash remains preferred for small exchanges and gratuities.
Smart Money Guidelines
💳 Travel Tip: Notify your bank of travel dates in advance to ensure uninterrupted card use.
Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in guided or private tours. Here’s how to stay healthy and comfortable:
Health Tips:
Personal Safety:
Transportation Safety:
🚨 Emergency tip: Save your tour manager’s number and the local emergency hotline (122 for police, 123 for medical help).
Yes — 12 days is an ideal duration to explore Egypt at a refined, unhurried pace. It allows you to see Cairo, sail the Nile, explore Luxor and Aswan, and venture into the Western Desert or Oasis regions without feeling rushed. With a private guide adjusting the pace each day, you gain depth of experience rather than just collecting landmarks.
Your journey includes hand-selected hotel stays, a Nile cruise, private guiding, all domestic flights, curated excursions, ground transfers, entrance fees to major sites, and full on-the-ground support. Unlike standard tour packages, your schedule is privately operated, ensuring flexibility and elevated service throughout.
Only international airfare, personal extras, and visa fees are not included — everything else is discreetly arranged on your behalf.
Yes — Egypt’s main tourist regions are well secured, and private touring with a licensed Egyptologist ensures a controlled, well-coordinated travel experience. Airports, hotels, archaeological sites, and cruise terminals operate under strict tourism security oversight.
Private guided travel adds a further layer of reassurance, with local experts handling logistics, navigation, and cultural etiquette on your behalf.
Absolutely. Every itinerary can be refined based on travel style, pace preferences, hotel category, or special interests — whether you want more time at the pyramids, a photography-focused desert extension, or a spa day on the Nile. Your travel designer makes adjustments elegantly, without disrupting the flow of the journey.
The most comfortable travel window is October through April, when temperatures are pleasant for temple visits and desert landscapes. This period aligns perfectly with Nile cruising season and optimal light conditions for photography.
For fewer crowds and slightly warmer weather, the shoulder weeks of late September and early May are considered an excellent insider choice.
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.
Read Essential Trip InformationI appreciated the balance between iconic sites and lesser-known locations. The visit to a smaller, almost-empty temple outside Luxor was one of the most memorable moments. It’s clear this itinerary is designed by people who know Egypt personally, not by a commercial operator following a template.
Traveling with teenagers can be challenging, but our guide made history engaging and interactive. The flexible pacing allowed us to enjoy the cruise without feeling like we were on a strict schedule. The desert extension to Bahariya was a highlight for our family — peaceful, unexpected, and beautifully organized.
What impressed us most was the quiet efficiency — every transfer, flight connection, and check-in happened without a single delay or question on our side. The hotels were well-chosen, each with a sense of place rather than generic luxury. Our guide adjusted each day based on our energy, which made the experience feel truly personal.
As a photographer, timing and access matter. The team arranged sunrise access at key sites and knew exactly where to position for perfect light without the usual crowds. I’ve been on many photography-focused trips, but few have matched this level of coordination and respect for creative pacing.
As someone passionate about ancient civilizations, I appreciated the scholarly quality of the guiding. My Egyptologist was patient, precise, and incredibly knowledgeable. The itinerary allowed quiet moments for reflection, especially at the less crowded tombs — a detail I greatly valued. This was more than sightseeing; it felt like a personal cultural immersion.
Book & Get FREE Extras Today: Hot Air Balloon+Camel Ride or Abu Simbel Tour+Felucca Ride