9 Days in Egypt – Cairo and Nile Cruise with Hurghada
+5 photos Why you’ll love this journey
Spend 9 days in Egypt to see the Pyramids, temples, coral reefs, and more. Book your adventure today for a trip of a lifetime!
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 licensed local guides. 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 licensed local guides 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.
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
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
Day 2
Cairo Exploration
Cairo Exploration
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Your private 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
Day 3
Fly to Aswan & Aswan Tour
Fly to Aswan & Aswan Tour
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 licensed local 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
Day 4
Kom Ombo Temple
Kom Ombo Temple
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
Day 5
Edfu Temple & Luxor West Bank Tour
Edfu Temple & Luxor West Bank Tour
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
Day 6
Luxor East Bank & Transfer to Hurghada
Luxor East Bank & Transfer to Hurghada
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
Day 7
Hurghada Open Day
Hurghada Open Day
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
Day 8
Hurghada Open Day & Return to Cairo
Hurghada Open Day & Return to Cairo
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
Day 9
Final Departure
Final Departure
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
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 Private Ground Transfers
- 5-Star Hotel Accommodation in Cairo & Hurghada
- Deluxe Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Domestic Flights Included
- Fully Guided Private Tours
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
- Entrance Fees to All Main Sites
- Complimentary Bottled Water
- 24/7 Local 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
- Hilton Hurghada Plaza
- Marriot Hurghada
- 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.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
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.
Dress Code & Cultural Etiquette
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.
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal year-round
- Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting mosques
- Swimwear is appropriate only at resorts and beaches
- A scarf is useful for mosque visits or windy desert areas
Comfortable walking shoes are essential — temple floors and archaeological sites are often uneven.
Currency, Payments & Spending
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.
Questions about this tour
Is 9 days enough to see Egypt properly?
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.
Is this tour private or will we be part of a group?
This itinerary is operated as a private tour. That means you will have your own licensed licensed local 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.
What type of hotels and Nile cruise are included?
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.
Are domestic flights included in the 9 day Egypt package?
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.
Is Egypt safe for tourists right now?
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.
What extra costs should we expect beyond the tour price?
The tour price covers hotels, the Nile cruise, domestic flights, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and private transfers.
Additional expenses typically include:
- Egypt entry visa (approx. $25 USD on arrival for many nationalities)
- Optional excursions (hot air balloon ride, additional tomb entries, diving trips in Hurghada)
- Tipping (customary in Egypt; guidance will be provided)
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs or drinks
There are no hidden operational fees — everything essential is clearly outlined before booking.
