12 Day Egypt Itinerary – Cairo & Nile Cruise with Hurghada
+5 photos Why you’ll love this journey
Explore Egypt with your 12 day Egypt itinerary! Visit iconic sites and hidden gems. Book your amazing journey today!
This 12 Day Egypt Itinerary is a carefully balanced journey designed for travelers who want to experience Egypt’s most iconic sights without rushing, while also enjoying time to relax by the Red Sea. Ideal for first-time visitors, couples, and families, the tour blends ancient history, cultural immersion, and coastal leisure into one seamless experience.
Your journey begins in Cairo, where you’ll explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and world-class museums alongside a private licensed licensed local guide. You’ll then cruise the timeless Nile River Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, discovering Egypt’s most celebrated temples at a relaxed, comfortable pace. The tour concludes in Hurghada, offering the perfect contrast with beach time, Red Sea activities, and well-earned rest.
This is a 100% private Egypt tour, fully customizable to your pace, interests, and accommodation level — with every detail handled by our local Egypt-based travel team.
Licensed local guides
Egypt-born, Ministry-licensed — not tour leaders passing through.
100% private
Your group only — your pace, your interests.
Free tailored planning
A day-by-day plan within 24 hours, revised until right.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day-by-day plan — 100% private, fully tailored, revised until right.
Day 1
Arrival in Cairo
Arrival 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 2
Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis
Giza 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 3
Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Egyptian 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 4
Fly to Aswan & Aswan City Tour
Fly 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 5
Tour to Kom Ombo Temple
Tour 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 6
Edfu Temple & Luxor West Bank Tour
Edfu 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 7
Luxor East Bank & Transfer to Hurghada
Luxor 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 8
Open Day in Hurghada
Open 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 9
Open Day in Hurghada
Open Day in Hurghada
Enjoy a free day in Hurghada.
Overnight in Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Open Day in Hurghada & Return to Cairo
Open 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 Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Discovering Old Cairo
Discovering 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 12
Final Departure
Final 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
What’s included
Everything below is arranged, paid and covered by your quote. What sits outside is what you'd normally handle yourself.
Always included
- Meet & Assist at Arrival and Departure
- Private Airport & Ground Transfers
- Carefully Selected Hotel Accommodations
- Deluxe Nile Cruise Experience
- Domestic Flights Within Egypt
- Private Licensed Local Guide
- Authentic Local Lunches
- All Sightseeing & Entrance Fees
- Complimentary Bottled Water During Tours
- Full Travel Support
- All Taxes & Service Charges
Arranged separately
- Egypt Entry Visa
- Optional Tours
- Tipping (Gratuities)
Traveler reviews
60+ verified reviews across Google & TripAdvisor for tours operated by Egypt Planners.
"A fabulous vacation, mostly thanks to Maro’s planning. Our 8-day private tour covered the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and a Nile cruise. Our Cairo guide Maii was knowledgeable and friendly, and our cruise guide Abdo took great care of us throughout."
"Nothing short of exceptional. Every question was answered promptly and the whole custom trip was planned with impressive attention to detail. As a mom travelling with my two daughters, we felt completely safe, respected and well cared for at all times."
"From tailoring the itinerary to being dropped at the airport, everything went amazingly thanks to Maro and his team. Our Cairo guide Maii was fantastic, and Amir shared his knowledge beautifully from Luxor to Aswan. An unforgettable experience."
"We did a family private tour — Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada — and strongly recommend Maro and his team. Communication was excellent at any time and the package very competitive. We kept to the itinerary with all inclusions and no extra charge."
"A French family with two young children. Maro designed a trip exactly as we had imagined — extremely available and responsive throughout. The guides took our young kids into account and showed us incredible places off the beaten track."
"A great trip to remember a lifetime! We travelled as a three-generation group of seven with many special requests, and they replanned several times until the itinerary met our ideas in detail. A very competent, friendly guide throughout."
Choose your package
Choose your comfort level — every package is 100% private with transport, a licensed local guide and the hotels below. Per person sharing a double room, October–April (Christmas & New Year peak pricing on request).
You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.
- Jaz Pyramids Resort
- Barceló Cairo Pyramids
- Swiss In Golf
- or similar class
- Mercure Hurghada
- or similar class
- Radamis
- Princess Sarah
- Royal Princess
- or similar class
You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.
- Steigenberger
- Hilton Dream
- Helnan Dream
- or similar class
- Continental
- Swiss Inn
- or similar class
- Blue Shadow
- Paradise
- Nile Premium
- or similar class
You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.
- Hyatt Regency
- Sofitel El Gezirah
- Kempinski Nile
- or similar class
- Kai Sol Romance Resort
- Pickalbatros Palace Hurghada
- or similar class
- Acamar
- Movenpick Lily or Lotus
- Serenity -
- or similar class
Prices are per person for October–April, standard season. Christmas & New Year peak-season pricing available on request — ask on WhatsApp or use the form.
Why book with Egypt Tours by Locals
Licensed local guides
Egypt-born, Ministry-licensed guides — not tour leaders passing through.
100% private
Your group only — your pace, your interests.
All transfers & domestic flights
Every airport, hotel and internal flight handled end to end.
Hand-picked hotels
Comfortable, well-located hotels chosen for each city.
24/7 Cairo support
A real local team reachable by phone and WhatsApp all trip.
Tailor-made
Adjusted to your dates, budget and must-sees — revised until right.
Booking & policy
Payment
- 30% deposit confirms dates
- Balance due 60 days before departure
- Any major currency
- Itemised quote — no hidden fees
Cancellation
- ≥45 days: full refund
- 30–44 days: 50% refund
- <30 days: non-refundable — insurance advised
Children
- 0–2: free · 2–5: 25%
- 6–11: 50%
- 12+: full adult price
Good to know
Flexible Payment & Transparent Pricing
- Tour Prices: Quoted in USD per person. Payment accepted in any major currency.
- Inclusions: All packages include accommodations, domestic flights, guided tours, Nile cruise, entrance fees (as per itinerary), and local support.
- Validity: Prices apply from October to April and exclude Christmas & New Year peak periods.
- Price Adjustments: Subject to change due to airline tax increases, hotel rate changes, or local government fees.
- Not Included: International flights, travel insurance, and Egypt entry visa (~$25 on arrival).
💡 Tip: Ask us for price-lock options or to reserve your package at current rates.
🤝 Easy Booking Terms
- Only 30% Down to Confirm: Reserve your space with a small deposit covering hotels, Nile cruise cabins, and domestic flights.
- Flexible Balance Payment: Pay the rest up to 48 hours before arrival, or settle on arrival in cash with your tour manager.
✅ No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Tipping in Egypt – What to Expect
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:
- Guide: $10–15 per day per traveler
- Driver: $3–5 per day
- Cruise Crew (shared tip box): ~$5–10/day
We’ll provide a detailed tipping guide in your welcome packet to make it stress-free.
Optional Extras & Additional Costs
Not included but available on request:
- Entry to special sites: Inside the Great Pyramid, Tomb of Tutankhamun, Mummies Room at Egyptian Museum.
- Optional upgrades: Hot air balloon ride, Nubian village visit, sound & light shows, spa treatments.
- Alcoholic beverages, personal snacks, souvenirs.
- Extra accommodation due to unforeseen weather or flight delays (rare, but not covered).
💡 Ask your tour manager to help arrange optional experiences locally.
👕✨ Dress Code & Cultural Awareness
Egypt is a welcoming country with deep-rooted traditions. While tourists are not expected to dress like locals, modest and practical clothing is highly recommended during sightseeing days — especially in mosques, churches, and traditional neighborhoods.
✔️ Lightweight clothes that cover shoulders and knees are ideal
✔️ Comfortable walking shoes are essential for temple visits
✔️ Swimwear is perfectly acceptable at resorts and beaches in Hurghada
Dressing respectfully not only shows cultural awareness but also helps you feel more at ease while exploring local areas.
🕌✝️ Religion, Customs & Social Etiquette
Egypt is home to both Muslim and Christian communities, and religion plays an important role in daily life. Visitors are always welcome at religious sites, provided basic etiquette is followed.
🙏 Shoes may need to be removed in mosques
📸 Photography can be restricted in certain religious areas
🤝 Friendly greetings and polite behavior are highly valued
Your guide will always explain what’s appropriate, so you can relax and enjoy each visit with confidence.
💵🤝 Money, Tipping & Bargaining Culture
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound, and small cash amounts are useful for tips and markets.
💰 Tipping is customary but never obligatory
🛍️ Bargaining in souks and bazaars is normal and often fun
😊 A friendly attitude goes a long way — it’s part of the experience
Clear tipping guidance is provided before and during the tour, so you’ll never feel awkward or unsure.
Questions about this tour
Is this a private tour or will I be traveling with a group?
This is a 100% private Egypt tour. You will not be joined by other travelers at any point. All transfers, sightseeing, and Nile cruise excursions are arranged exclusively for you and your party, with your own licensed licensed local guide and private vehicle throughout the journey.
Can I customize the 12 day Egypt itinerary before booking?
Absolutely ✅
This itinerary is fully customizable. Before confirmation, you can adjust hotel categories, Nile cruise level, sightseeing pace, optional excursions (such as Abu Simbel), and even travel dates — all at no extra planning cost.
Are domestic flights within Egypt included in the tour price?
Yes 👍
All required domestic flights within Egypt are included in the tour price. This typically covers routes such as Cairo–Luxor or Aswan–Hurghada, ensuring smooth and time-efficient travel between destinations.
What type of hotels and Nile cruise are included?
You can choose from carefully selected 4★, 5★, or deluxe luxury accommodations, depending on your preference and budget. The Nile cruise is also selected for comfort, safety, and service quality, with upgrade options available upon request.
Is Egypt safe to visit for first-time travelers?
Yes. Egypt is a well-established travel destination with strong tourism infrastructure. Traveling on a private guided tour with licensed guides and private transportation adds an extra level of comfort, safety, and peace of mind — especially for first-time visitors.
Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?
Yes 😊
This itinerary is ideal for families, couples, and mature travelers. The pacing is comfortable, accommodations are handpicked, and private guiding allows flexibility to adjust daily schedules when needed.
How does tipping work during the tour?
Tipping in Egypt is customary but never mandatory. We provide clear guidance on suggested amounts for guides, drivers, and cruise staff, so you’ll always feel comfortable and informed.
What kind of support will I have during the trip?
You’ll have 24/7 local on-ground support from our Egypt-based team, in addition to your private guide and drivers. Assistance is always just a phone call or message away.
How do I book and secure my tour?
Booking is simple and transparent. A small deposit secures your reservation, with final payment due before arrival. All payment terms, inclusions, and cancellation policies are clearly explained before any payment is made.
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