9 Day Egypt Itinerary – Cairo & Nile Cruise and Alexandria by Flight
+5 photos Why you’ll love this journey
Private 9 Day Egypt Itinerary with Cairo, Cruise & Alexandria. All flights included, expert guide, and 4–5★ hotels. Customize your trip today.
Discover the best of Egypt in just 9 unforgettable days. This expertly curated itinerary combines ancient wonders, Nile-side serenity, and Mediterranean charm—covering Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria with a luxurious Nile River cruise by flight. Designed for culture lovers and curious travelers, this tour lets you experience Egypt’s must-see highlights without the crowds or the rush. Explore Egypt at your own pace with our expertly crafted Egypt Private Tours.
- ✔️ Explore the Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum & Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo
- 🚢 Sail the Nile in comfort from Aswan to Luxor, with guided stops at temples and tombs
- 🏛️ Visit Alexandria by flight, including the Catacombs and Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- 🛌 Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodations with daily breakfast and select meals included
- 🛫 Includes all domestic flights, airport transfers & licensed licensed local guide
- 📅 Available year-round — fully customizable for private groups or solo travelers
Ready to start your 9-day adventure through Egypt?
✅ Private tours ✅ Secure booking ✅ Local expertise
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
Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara
Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara
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 Memphis, the ancient capital of upper and lower Egypt during the first dynasty. Explore the fascinating historical and archaeological site of Sakkara.
At the end of the tour, return to your hotel.
Optional: Sound & Light show at the Pyramids of Giza.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3
Fly to Aswan - Aswan Tour - Nile Cruise
Fly to Aswan - Aswan Tour - Nile Cruise
Your guide will be waiting for you at your hotel in Cairo. Then you will be transferred to the airport, ready for your flight to Aswan. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at Aswan Airport, holding a sign of your name. Then you will be taken to your private air-conditioned vehicle, ready to start your tour.
At the first stop, you will visit the High Dam, which has amazing views of Lake Nasser. Then you will visit the Philae Temple, which was surprisingly removed from its original resting place.
Once the tour is complete, you will be transferred in comfort to the cruise. The cruise will sail to Kom Ombo.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Nile Cruise – Kom Ombo & Edfu
Nile Cruise – Kom Ombo & Edfu
After breakfast, meet your expert guide and embark on a full-day excursion. Visit the temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to the god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Return to the cruise for lunch and sail to the Temple of Horus in Edfu.
In the evening, enjoy a local Galabya party on the cruise. The cruise will sail to Luxor.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Nile Cruise – Luxor City Tour
Nile Cruise – Luxor City Tour
After breakfast, 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 the cruise.
Overnight on Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Back to Cairo - Open Day
Back to Cairo - Open Day
After breakfast, depart by private air-conditioned vehicle to transfer you to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo.
Upon arrival in Cairo, meet your representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Optional Tour: Hot Air Balloon (approx. 30-45min) – Drift over the Valley of Kings, Valley of the Queens, and the Mountain on the Nobles.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Alexandria Day Tour
Alexandria Day Tour
After breakfast, depart for a three-hour journey to Alexandria with our expert guide by private air-conditioned vehicle. Admire the majestic monument of Pompey's Pillar, established in honor of Emperor Diocletian.
Continue to the Citadel of Sultan Quitbay, built on the same spot as the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria. Then visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shokafa, the largest Roman Cemetery consisting of 3 levels cut in the rock underground tunnel that shows the merge between Roman and Egyptian art.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterward, visit the famous library of Alexandria and the Montazah Palace gardens of King Farouk. Capture impressive and unique photos of Alexandria.
Return to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Note: Alexandria's library is closed on Fridays and public holidays
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8
Cairo – Open Day
Cairo – Open Day
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Cairo.
Optional Tours: Unusual Day Tour in Cairo or Cairo by Night Tour.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
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
- 4 & 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 — 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
- 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 fully private or part of a group?
This is a 100% private tour — just you, your companions, and a dedicated licensed local guide. No large buses or fixed group schedules. Your experience is personalized every step of the way.
Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. Whether you want to add extra days, remove a city, adjust the pace, or include experiences like Abu Simbel or the Red Sea, we’ll tailor the itinerary to your preferences.
Are domestic flights included in the tour price?
Yes — all domestic flights (Cairo ⇆ Aswan, Luxor ⇆ Cairo, and Cairo ⇆ Alexandria if applicable) are included in your package unless otherwise specified.
What kind of accommodations are included?
You’ll stay in handpicked 4- or 5-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, and enjoy a 3-night Nile cruise with full-board meals. Accommodation levels depend on your selected package tier (Comfort, Premium, or Luxury).
How do I book and pay for the tour?
You can confirm your tour with a 30% deposit. The remaining balance can be paid by card or cash up to 48 hours before arrival. All major currencies are accepted.
What should I wear in Egypt?
Lightweight, breathable clothing is best. We recommend covering shoulders and knees during visits to mosques or rural areas. A hat, scarf, and sunscreen are also essential for sun protection.
Is Egypt safe for travelers?
Yes — Egypt is considered safe, especially for travelers on guided tours. You’ll be accompanied by local experts, and we provide 24/7 local support. Use common sense with valuables, and follow your guide’s tips.
Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes — the tour is family-friendly and senior-accessible, with flexibility in pacing. We can adjust walking intensity, transport, and sightseeing schedules to match your group’s needs.
Will we visit all the major ancient sites?
Yes! This itinerary includes the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and cultural highlights in Cairo and Alexandria.


