8 Days in Egypt – Cairo, Luxor & Aswan 4 Night Nile Cruise by Flight
+3 photos Why you’ll love this journey
Spend 8 Days in Egypt like never before with expert guides, luxury cruise, iconic sites & hidden treasures. Private & fully planned just for you.
Experience the magic of Egypt in just 8 unforgettable days on a carefully curated journey that brings together the country’s most iconic landmarks, timeless history, and refined comfort. From the moment you arrive, this itinerary blends private guided tours in Egypt with seamless logistics, allowing you to explore ancient wonders at a relaxed, immersive pace.
The journey is elevated by a 4-night Nile cruise, where legendary temples, riverside villages, and breathtaking scenery unfold between Luxor and Aswan. With all domestic flights within Egypt included, every transition is smooth and stress-free, ensuring you can focus entirely on the experience while every detail is expertly arranged behind the scenes.
- 🏛️ Explore the Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum
- 🛫 Domestic flights included (Cairo → Aswan | Luxor → Cairo)
- 🚢 Relax on a luxury cruise: Aswan to Luxor (4 nights)
- 👨🏫 Guided by licensed licensed local guide in every city
- 🛌 5-star accommodation & private airport transfers
This 8-day Egypt itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, couples, or small private groups seeking a luxury tour of Egypt with a Nile cruise.
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 your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred by a private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Welcome Drink
Day 2
Cairo – Egyptian Museum & Great Pyramids
Cairo – Egyptian Museum & Great Pyramids
After a delicious breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion with our expert guide by private air-conditioned vehicle. Your adventure will begin with a visit to the magnificent Pyramids of Giza – Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus – one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at the Great Sphinx of Giza, dating back to the time of Chephren (2620BC). Capture stunning panoramic views of the legendary Pyramids of Giza.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue your journey to the Egyptian Museum, the world's most important depository of Egyptian antiquities. Explore the extensive collection of pharaonic artifacts and immerse yourself in the magic of Ancient Egyptian history.
At the end of the tour, return to your hotel.
Optional: Sound & Light show at the Pyramids of Giza or 2-hour Nile Cruise dinner with Folk-dance show.
Overnight in Cairo .
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3
Nile Cruise – Luxor East Bank
Nile Cruise – Luxor East Bank
After a delicious breakfast, depart by private air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor.
Upon arrival, meet your expert guide and embark on a full-day excursion. Explore the world's largest open-air museum on the East Bank, visiting the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
After the tour, transfer to your Nile cruise.
Nights in Nile cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Nile Cruise – Luxor West Bank
Nile Cruise – Luxor West Bank
After a delicious breakfast on the cruise, depart by private air-conditioned vehicle to visit the West Bank, including the Valley of Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Return to the cruise at the end of the tour.
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon (approx. 30-45min) – Drift over the Valley of Kings.
Nights in Nile cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Nile Cruise – Edfu & Kom Ombo
Nile Cruise – Edfu & Kom Ombo
After breakfast, meet your expert guide and embark on a full-day excursion. Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Return to the cruise for lunch and sail to Kom Ombo to visit the temple dedicated to both gods Sobek and Haroeies.
In the evening, enjoy a local Galabya party on the cruise. The cruise will sail to Luxor.
Nights in Nile cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Nile Cruise - Aswan
Nile Cruise - Aswan
After breakfast, meet your expert guide and embark on a full-day excursion. Visit the High Dam, followed by the Philae Temple, and conclude with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk.
After the tour, transfer to the cruise.
Nights in Nile cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 7
Aswan - Cairo
Aswan - Cairo
After a delicious breakfast, depart by private air-conditioned vehicle to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo.
Upon arrival, meet your expert representative and transfer to your hotel in Cairo.
Optional Tour: Abu Simbel Temple Tour.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Departure
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure.
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
- Private Airport Meet & Assist
- All Ground Transfers
- 5 Star Hotel Accommodations
- Deluxe Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Domestic Flights
- Fully Guided Private Tours
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
- Entrance Fees to All Main Sites
- Complimentary Bottled Water
- 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 — all packages include private transport and a licensed local guide. Per person, October–April (excludes Christmas & New Year — peak-season 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Best Time to Visit
Egypt is a year-round destination, but October to April is widely considered the best window for travel. During this season, temperatures are pleasant — especially in desert regions like Luxor and Aswan, where the summer heat can easily surpass 40°C (104°F).
When to Go:
- October – April: Ideal for sightseeing, Nile cruising, and walking tours. Crisp mornings and warm afternoons are perfect for photography and extended outdoor visits.
- May – September: Hot and dry — suitable for shorter trips or budget travelers. Plan early morning excursions, rest during peak heat, and hydrate often.
💡 Tip: Visiting Egypt during the shoulder months (late September or early May) gives you warm weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Smart Packing Tips for Egypt
🧥 Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
- Long sleeves and loose trousers or skirts for modesty
- A light jacket or scarf for cooler nights and conservative sites
- Modest swimwear for hotels or cruise pools
👟 Footwear:
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for ruins and temples
- Sandals for relaxing or short strolls
- Consider water shoes if you plan to swim in the Nile or Red Sea
🧢 Essentials:
- Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat or scarf for sun protection
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (Egyptian sun is intense!)
- Travel-sized hand sanitizer and tissue packs
- A refillable water bottle or hydration pack
- Daypack for carrying snacks, camera, documents
🎒 Bonus: Bring a universal adapter, a power bank, and copies of your passport and travel insurance.
Cultural Etiquette in Egypt
Egyptians are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors who show cultural awareness are always appreciated. Here’s how to engage respectfully:
Dress Modestly (Especially for Women):
- At mosques and rural areas, cover shoulders and knees.
- Avoid revealing tops, shorts, or tight clothes — especially in Upper Egypt.
- Men should avoid going shirtless except at beaches.
Greetings & Communication:
- A warm “Salam Alaikum” (Peace be upon you) is a respectful hello.
- Right hand is preferred for handshakes and giving/taking items.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Photography:
- Always ask before photographing locals, especially women.
- Respect signs at historic sites — some areas prohibit photography or require an extra ticket.
- Be mindful of children, military areas, and security zones.
Tipping Culture ("Baksheesh"):
- Tipping is customary and appreciated — not pushy.
- Small tips ($1–$5) for hotel porters, drivers, waiters, and bathroom attendants go a long way.
- Guides and cruise staff appreciate end-of-tour gratuities. We'll provide a full tipping guide in your welcome pack.
Questions about this tour
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes, this 8-day itinerary is designed specifically for first-timers, covering iconic sites in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan with all logistics handled — including domestic flights, hotels, and expert guides.
What kind of accommodation is included in the package?
You’ll stay in carefully selected 5-star hotels in Cairo and enjoy a deluxe or luxury Nile cruise for 4 nights. Upgrade options are available for premium properties like the Marriott Mena House.
Are domestic flights included in the tour price?
Yes. Roundtrip domestic flights — Cairo ↔ Luxor and Aswan ↔ Cairo — are fully included in all package tiers (Affordable, Golden, Platinum).
Can this tour be customized for families or small groups?
Absolutely. The tour is private and flexible — ideal for couples, families, or small groups. We can tailor the itinerary, pacing, or accommodations to your preferences.
Do I need a visa to enter Egypt?
Yes, most travelers will need a tourist visa which costs around $25 USD on arrival. We offer assistance with this during your airport meet-and-assist service.
Is tipping required during the tour?
Tipping is customary in Egypt. We provide a clear tipping guide in your welcome pack to make it simple and stress-free.
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour involves moderate walking at historical sites with some uneven terrain. It’s suitable for most travelers in good health, and we pace it comfortably with frequent breaks.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
Yes, Egypt remains a safe destination for tourists, especially on private guided tours. We monitor conditions regularly and work only with trusted, licensed partners.
Can I add optional experiences like Abu Simbel or a hot air balloon ride?
Yes, we can arrange optional add-ons like Abu Simbel by flight, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor, or a dinner cruise in Cairo. Let us know your interests when booking.


