9 Days in Egypt is the perfect balance between iconic discovery and relaxed escape, combining Cairo’s ancient wonders, a luxury Nile cruise, and the Red Sea beauty of Hurghada in one seamless 9-day Egypt itinerary. This carefully crafted Egypt tour package allows you to explore the Great Pyramids, sail between Luxor and Aswan, and unwind by the sea — without feeling rushed.
Designed for travelers who want depth without exhaustion, this Egypt 9 day itinerary connects history, culture, and coastal relaxation through expertly timed domestic flights, private transfers, and guided experiences led by licensed Egyptologists. From the Valley of the Kings to sunset views on the Nile, every transition is handled smoothly so you can focus entirely on the experience.
✨ 9 Days in Egypt Tour Highlights:
🏛️ See the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum
🛫 Includes domestic flights (Cairo → Luxor | Aswan → Cairo)
⛩️ Tour Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut Temple
🌅 Visit Philae Temple, the High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
🕌 Explore the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel with a certified guide
👨🏫 Led by licensed Egyptologists in every city
🛌 4-star and 5-star hotel options + private airport transfers
If you’re wondering whether 9 days is enough for Egypt, this itinerary is designed to cover the country’s most iconic highlights while maintaining a comfortable pace. It’s ideal for couples, first-time visitors, and travelers seeking a complete Egypt tour with Nile cruise and Red Sea extension — professionally planned and locally operated as part of our Egypt Private Tours, ensuring personalized service and seamless coordination throughout your journey.
Upon landing in Cairo, you will be warmly greeted by our representative, who will handle all the arrival formalities swiftly and with ease. After a smooth transfer, you will be escorted to your selected hotel where you can unwind and relax after your flight. Spend the rest of the day discovering the hotel, enjoying the facilities, or simply resting in your room. The tour manager will brief you on the upcoming itinerary, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the exciting days ahead.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Welcome Drink
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Your private Egyptologist guide will meet you, and together you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through the treasures of Cairo. The day begins with a visit to the world-renowned Giza Pyramids, where you’ll explore the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the smaller pyramids built for the queens. Marvel at the magnificence of the Great Sphinx and learn about the mummification process at the Valley Temple of Khafra.
After soaking in these ancient wonders, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Egyptian dishes. The tour continues with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to over 25,000 artifacts. The day ends with a stop at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you can wander through the narrow alleys of Cairo’s oldest market, discovering unique crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Optional Evening: Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Cairo Airport for a short domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, another friendly representative will meet you and take you directly to your Nile cruise ship. After checking in and settling in, your Egyptologist guide will take you on a tour of Aswan’s most notable sites. First, visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern marvel that protects Egypt from the Nile’s floods. Next, explore the majestic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, located on a beautiful island. End the tour at the Unfinished Obelisk, which, if completed, would have been the largest obelisk ever built in ancient Egypt.
Return to your cruise ship for a delightful lunch and dinner, and spend the evening relaxing onboard as you begin your journey on the Nile.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
After a delicious breakfast on board, your cruise will dock at Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo. This extraordinary temple is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. The temple’s design is completely symmetrical, reflecting the duality of the gods it honors. Take in the history and the stunning views of the Nile.
After your visit, return to the cruise for a relaxing afternoon as the ship sails towards Luxor. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and free time on board, soaking in the sun or watching the beauty of the Nile Valley pass by.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
The day begins with breakfast on the cruise, followed by a visit to the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. This massive structure, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, is a brilliant example of ancient Egyptian temple design. The guide will walk you through its towering walls and beautifully carved reliefs.
In the afternoon, arrive in Luxor and begin exploring the West Bank, starting with the Valley of the Kings. This famous burial site is home to the tombs of the great pharaohs, including the iconic tomb of King Tutankhamun. Next, visit the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, a mortuary temple dedicated to Egypt’s only female pharaoh, nestled into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. End the tour with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that have stood guard for thousands of years.
After your exploration, return to the cruise for lunch and dinner, then relax for the evening on board.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard as you prepare to disembark. Your first stop of the day is the magnificent Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt, spanning over 2,000 years of history. Walk among the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall and marvel at the sheer scale of the site. After Karnak, visit Luxor Temple, a stunning monument that showcases the blend of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic influences.
After a fascinating morning, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Hurghada, a beautiful resort town on the Red Sea. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Overnight in Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to relax on the beach, take a swim, or explore Hurghada’s vibrant marine life through optional activities like snorkeling or diving.
You may also opt for a thrilling Bedouin Village Desert Safari to experience the beauty of the desert.
Overnight in Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, spend another leisurely day in Hurghada. Soak up the sun or explore more of the Red Sea’s underwater beauty. In the evening, you’ll be transferred back to Cairo in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax after the journey.
Optional: Consider a Snorkeling Tour to Giftun Island for an unforgettable experience swimming among colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to pack up and check out. You’ll be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight, leaving Egypt with unforgettable memories of its ancient wonders and cultural treasures.
Meals: Breakfast
| October – April | |
|---|---|
| Double Room | $1750 |
| Single Room | $2800 |
Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
| October – April | |
|---|---|
| Double Room | $1960 |
| Single Room | $3180 |
Prices are per person & Not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
| October – April | |
|---|---|
| Double Room | $3830 |
| Single Room | $6630 |
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.
The best time to enjoy a 9 day Egypt itinerary is from October to April, when daytime temperatures are mild and ideal for sightseeing.
☀️ Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant days, cooler evenings
🌸 Spring (Mar–Apr): Warm and comfortable
🔥 Summer (May–Sept): Hot but manageable with early tours and air-conditioned vehicles
Nile cruises operate year-round, but peak season departures fill quickly. Booking early ensures better cabin selection and pricing.
Egypt is welcoming and accustomed to international travelers, especially in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada. However, modest clothing is appreciated in religious and traditional areas.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential — temple floors and archaeological sites are often uneven.
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
💳 Major hotels and cruise ships accept credit cards
🏧 ATMs are widely available in major cities
💵 Small cash is useful for markets, small purchases, and optional tips
Prices in tourist areas may sometimes be quoted in USD or EUR, but local transactions are typically in Egyptian Pounds.
Tipping (known locally as baksheesh) is customary in Egypt and forms part of service culture.
Your tour advisor will provide clear guidance on appropriate gratuities so there is no uncertainty during your trip.
Egypt’s main tourism zones — including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Hurghada — are well-secured and professionally managed.
Traveling as part of an organized private tour ensures:
🚘 Licensed drivers
👨🏫 Certified Egyptologist guides
📞 24/7 local support
🗺 Coordinated transfers between cities
This structure allows you to focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics.
After exploring temples and tombs, Hurghada offers a relaxed contrast along the Red Sea.
🧴 Sunscreen is essential year-round
🌊 Snorkeling and diving are available for all levels
👟 Water shoes are helpful for coral areas
🌅 Evenings are relaxed — perfect for seaside dining
Optional excursions like boat trips or diving experiences can be arranged in advance or locally.
Egyptian cuisine is flavorful and diverse.
🥙 Expect dishes like koshari, grilled meats, fresh bread, and mezze
💧 Bottled water is recommended for drinking
☕ Tea and Turkish-style coffee are widely served
Cruise ships and 4–5 star hotels offer international buffet options alongside local dishes.
Staying connected is easy:
📶 SIM cards are available at Cairo Airport
🌍 Hotels and cruises provide Wi-Fi (speed may vary)
📲 WhatsApp is widely used for communication
Your tour team remains accessible throughout your journey.
Yes — 9 days in Egypt is considered the ideal balance between depth and comfort. In this timeframe, you can explore Cairo’s Great Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan for 4 nights, visit iconic temples such as Karnak and Philae, see Abu Simbel, and still enjoy relaxation time in Hurghada on the Red Sea.
Shorter itineraries (5–7 days) often feel rushed, while 9 days allows for a smoother pace with less backtracking and more meaningful experiences.
This itinerary is operated as a private tour. That means you will have your own licensed Egyptologist guide and private air-conditioned vehicle in every city.
You won’t be waiting for large groups or following rigid bus schedules. The only shared element is the Nile cruise ship itself, but all shore excursions are conducted privately with your guide. This setup offers both comfort and flexibility while maintaining a premium experience.
You can choose between 4-star and 5-star hotel options in Cairo and Hurghada, depending on your preferred comfort level.
The Nile cruise is a deluxe-category vessel offering full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and onboard amenities such as a sun deck, lounge areas, and evening entertainment.
Upgrades to higher luxury cruise categories can also be arranged upon request.
Yes. Domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are included to save time and ensure a smooth itinerary flow.
Without flights, long overland drives would reduce your sightseeing time. Including airfare makes this 9 day Egypt itinerary far more efficient and comfortable, especially when combining Cairo, the Nile cruise, and Hurghada.
Egypt’s main tourist destinations — including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Hurghada — are well-managed and accustomed to international travelers. Tourist areas, hotels, and cruise routes are monitored and professionally operated.
Traveling with a licensed guide, private driver, and pre-arranged transfers adds an additional layer of comfort and coordination. As with any international destination, standard travel awareness is recommended, but millions of travelers visit Egypt safely each year.
The tour price covers hotels, the Nile cruise, domestic flights, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and private transfers.
Additional expenses typically include:
There are no hidden operational fees — everything essential is clearly outlined before booking.
This was one of the most complete travel experiences we’ve had. Egypt can be overwhelming, but this itinerary made it feel accessible. The pyramids were iconic, but sailing the Nile was unforgettable. Ending the journey in Hurghada gave us time to reflect and relax before heading home. It felt thoughtfully curated from start to finish.
I was concerned about logistics with children, but everything ran smoothly. The guides were patient, and the pacing worked well. The cruise became the highlight for our entire family. We felt supported from arrival to departure.
Our group appreciated the private structure of the tour. We never felt herded. The cruise ship staff were attentive, and meals were consistently good. The coordination between cities was seamless, which made a big difference for us.
The transition from Cairo to Luxor by flight saved so much time. That small detail made the itinerary feel efficient. Abu Simbel was a powerful experience. Hurghada provided a perfect, relaxed ending. We left feeling satisfied, not rushed.
Egypt is layered and complex, and this tour helped me navigate it confidently. I appreciated having licensed guides who answered deeper historical questions. The Nile cruise gave me quiet time to process everything I’d seen. It wasn’t just a trip; it felt educational and personal.
