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Home / Best Luxury Egypt Tours Packages / 8 Day Egypt Itinerary – Cairo and 4 Nights Cruise with Abu Simbel
Private Egypt tour

8 Day Egypt Itinerary – Cairo and 4 Nights Cruise with Abu Simbel

8 Days 100% private Departs any day
★★★★★ 60+ reviews across Google & TripAdvisor · operated by Egypt Planners
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Why you’ll love this journey

A private, licensed, locally guided journey across Egypt — every transition handled by your Cairo team, tailored to your dates and pace.

This 8 Day Egypt Itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to explore Egypt’s most iconic highlights while enjoying a comfortable pace, expert local guidance, and a well-balanced travel experience. Carefully designed for those who value depth over speed, this journey allows you to truly connect with Egypt’s history, culture, and landscapes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

In just eight days, you’ll experience the striking contrasts that define Egypt — from the energy and grandeur of ancient Cairo, to the timeless beauty of the Nile River, and the monumental temples of Upper Egypt. Every destination is thoughtfully connected, with smooth transitions, guided visits, and time to absorb each place, creating a seamless journey that feels both immersive and effortless.

✨ Highlights of this itinerary include:

  • 🏛️ Guided exploration of Cairo, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum
  • 🚢 A relaxed 4 night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, and Kom Ombo
  • 🌄 A professionally arranged visit to Abu Simbel, included as part of the itinerary
  • 🎓 Licensed licensed local guides, balanced pacing, and carefully coordinated logistics throughout

Designed for first-time visitors, couples, and culturally curious travelers, this itinerary prioritizes depth, comfort, and clarity over rushed sightseeing. If you’re looking to elevate the experience further with upgraded accommodations, private touring, or fully tailored details, this journey can also be adapted as part of our Luxury Egypt Tours, where every element is refined to match a more exclusive travel style.

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.

YOUR ROUTE · 8 DAYS · 4 STOPS

CairoLuxorAswanAbu Simbel
DAY1
Day 1

Arrival in Cairo

  • Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Cairo or Giza in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Welcome Drink

DAY2
Day 2

Cairo –Great Pyramids of Giza & Grand Egyptian Museum

  • Morning:

    • After breakfast, begin your full-day guided tour in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
    • Visit the Pyramids of Giza:
      • Great Pyramid of Cheops: The oldest and largest of the three pyramids.
      • Pyramid of Chephren: Renowned for its partially intact casing at the summit.
      • Pyramid of Mycerinus: Known for its unique size and structure.
    • Marvel at the majestic Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue symbolizing power and wisdom.
    • Head to the Panorama Point for spectacular views and photo opportunities of the pyramids.
  • Afternoon:

    • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Egyptian cuisine.
    • Visit the state-of-the-art Grand Egyptian Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including:
      • The treasures of King Tutankhamun, are displayed with cutting-edge technology.
      • Ancient relics from Pharaoh Ramses II and other notable rulers.
      • An immersive exhibit highlighting Egypt's rich cultural and historical timeline.
  • Evening Options:

    • Attend the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza, narrating the history of these magnificent structures.
    • Alternatively, enjoy a 2-hour Nile Cruise dinner with a folk dance show.

 Overnight in Cairo.
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY3
Day 3

Fly to Luxor - Luxor East Bank - Nile Cruise

  • Morning:

    • After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor.
    • Upon arrival, meet your expert guide and tour the East Bank of Luxor.
  • Highlights:

    • Karnak Temple Complex: Walk through the grand Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns and see the Sacred Lake.
    • Luxor Temple: Explore the magnificent temple illuminated at night, with its intricate carvings and rich history linked to ancient pharaohs and gods.
  • Afternoon:

    • Transfer to your Nile cruise for check-in and relaxation.

 Nights in Nile cruise
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

DAY4
Day 4

Nile Cruise – Luxor West Bank

  • Morning:

    • Enjoy breakfast on the cruise before heading to the West Bank.
    • Visit:
      • Valley of the Kings: Explore tombs of iconic pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses II, adorned with vivid wall paintings.
      • Valley of the Queens: See the intricate tombs of queens and royal children.
      • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Admire this unique terraced temple built into a cliff.
      • Colossi of Memnon: Two massive stone statues guarding the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.
  • Optional Activity:

    • Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings (30–45 minutes). Fly over the stunning Valley of the Kings at sunrise, as the desert takes on golden hues and ancient tombs come alive in the morning light. Enjoy panoramic views of Luxor’s West Bank, including the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the meandering Nile River. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is both dramatic and serene, making it a must-do for any traveler.

 Nights in Nile cruise
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

DAY5
Day 5

Nile Cruise – Edfu & Kom Ombo

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god.
  • Afternoon:

    • Return to the cruise for lunch and sail to Kom Ombo.
    • Explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god.
    • Visit the adjacent Crocodile Museum, showcasing mummified crocodiles and artifacts.
  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a festive Galabeya party onboard as the cruise sails toward Aswan.

 Nights in Nile cruise
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

DAY6
Day 6

Nile Cruise - Abu Simbel Temple

  • Morning:

    • After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour to the remarkable Abu Simbel Temples, built by Ramses II.
    • Explore the massive statues and detailed carvings of the Great Temple and the Temple of Hathor, showcasing ancient Egyptian engineering prowess.
  • Evening:

    • Return to the cruise to unwind and enjoy dinner.

 Nights in Nile cruise
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

DAY7
Day 7

Aswan Tour - Back to Cairo

  • Morning:

    • After breakfast, discover the highlights of Aswan:
      • High Dam: A marvel of modern engineering controlling the Nile’s waters.
      • Philae Temple: Dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island.
      • Unfinished Obelisk: Witness ancient construction techniques at this massive granite monument.
  • Afternoon:

    • Transfer to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo.
    • Upon arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel.

 Overnight in Cairo
 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY8
Day 8

Departure

Morning:

  • 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 in Cairo
  • Deluxe Nile Cruise Experience
  • Domestic Flights Included
  • Fully Guided Private Tours
  • Authentic Culinary Experiences
  • Entrance Fees to Major Sites
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Full 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."

KC
klccc
8-day private tour · Nov 2025 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"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."

LM
Leeza M.
Family trip · Feb 2026 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"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."

CL
Carla L.
Couple · Jan 2026 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"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."

DA
Damien
Family trip · Dec 2025 · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"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."

CC
Capucine C.
Family · Christmas · via TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"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."

CH
Chris L.
3-generation family · Mar 2026 · via TripAdvisor

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).

Standard season · October – April
$1,700/pp · double$2,660single
Christmas and New Year:
$2,040/pp · double$2,660single

You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.

Cairo
  • Jaz Pyramids Resort
  • Barceló Cairo Pyramids
  • Swiss In Golf
  • or similar class
Nile cruise
  • Radamis
  • Princess Sarah
  • Royal Princess
  • or similar class
Standard season · October – April
$1,840/pp · double$2,900single

You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.

Cairo
  • Steigenberger
  • Hilton Dream
  • Helnan Dream
  • or similar class
Nile cruise
  • Blue Shadow
  • Paradise
  • Nile Premium
  • or similar class
Standard season · October – April
$3,800/pp · double$6,650single

You’ll stay at one hotel in each destination (and one cruise where shown) — the exact property is confirmed on booking, based on availability.

Cairo
  • Hyatt Regency
  • Sofitel El Gezirah
  • Kempinski Nile
  • or similar class
Nile cruise
  • 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

Egypt can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable time for sightseeing is between October and April, when temperatures are milder and ideal for exploring outdoor sites such as temples and pyramids.

Summer months (June–August) can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt, but Nile cruises and early-morning visits help manage the heat. Your itinerary is carefully paced to make the most of seasonal conditions.

Smart Packing Tips for Egypt

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with a light jacket or scarf for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as many historical sites have uneven stone surfaces. Sun protection — including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen — is highly recommended.

A small day bag, reusable water bottle, and travel adaptor are also useful additions.

Cultural Etiquette in Egypt

Egyptians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Polite greetings, patience, and a friendly attitude are always appreciated. Modest dress is recommended at religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Public behavior is generally conservative, and respectful conduct will enhance your interactions with locals throughout your trip.

Questions about this tour

Is this 8-day Egypt itinerary suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes, this itinerary is specifically designed with first-time travelers in mind. It covers Egypt’s most important highlights — Cairo, the Nile, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel — without rushing or overloading the schedule.

Domestic flights, private guides, and a 4-night Nile cruise ensure smooth transitions and a relaxed pace, making the experience comfortable even for travelers new to Egypt.

Is this tour private, or will I be traveling with a group?

This is a private tour experience. All ground transportation and sightseeing are conducted privately with your own licensed licensed local guide and dedicated driver. The Nile cruise itself is shared onboard, but all guided excursions are arranged privately, allowing for flexibility, personal attention, and a more meaningful experience.

Is Abu Simbel included in the itinerary?

Yes, Abu Simbel is included as part of this itinerary and is carefully planned into the overall journey. The visit is arranged in advance and coordinated professionally to ensure timing, comfort, and safety. Depending on your preferences, the visit can be done by road or upgraded to a flight, which can be discussed during the planning stage.

What level of accommodation and comfort should I expect?

The tour includes 5-star hotel accommodation in Cairo and a deluxe Nile cruise with full board. Hotels and cruise ships are selected for comfort, location, and service quality. Rooms and cabins are well-appointed, and upgrades to luxury-level properties or premium cruise vessels are available for travelers seeking a higher-end experience.

How physically demanding is this tour?

The itinerary involves a moderate amount of walking, primarily at archaeological sites where surfaces can be uneven. The pace is balanced, with regular breaks and time to rest between visits. Most travelers in normal health find the tour very manageable, and adjustments can be made in advance for seniors or travelers with mobility considerations.

Is Egypt safe, and will there be local support during the trip?

Yes, Egypt is considered safe for tourists, especially when traveling on a well-organized private tour. Major tourist sites are well protected, and you’ll be accompanied by licensed guides throughout the journey. In addition, our local team is available 24/7 to provide assistance, answer questions, and ensure your trip runs smoothly from arrival to departure.

From
$1,700
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★★★★★ 60+ reviews on Google & TripAdvisor
💬 +20 109 234 5458

Operated by Egypt Planners · Licensed operator · Reg #256841

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Operated by Egypt Planners — licensed tour operator (Ministry of Commerce Reg. #256841)