7 Day Egypt Budget Tour and Nile Cruise Package
+3 photos Why you’ll love this journey
Explore Egypt with our Egypt Budget Tour which takes you to the Pyramids, temples, and more. Book now for an unforgettable trip!
Experience the highlights of ancient Egypt through one of our carefully designed Egypt Private Tours, created for travellers who want expert guidance, smooth logistics, and excellent value without unnecessary extras. This 7 Day Egypt Budget Tour and Nile Cruise Package blends Cairo’s legendary landmarks with a relaxing Nile journey, offering a well-rounded introduction to Egypt at an affordable price point.
Begin your journey in Cairo, where you’ll explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, iconic museums, and historic neighborhoods alongside your own licensed licensed local guide. Then travel south to enjoy a scenic Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, uncovering remarkable temples, tombs, and riverside scenery that bring Egypt’s ancient story to life. Throughout the tour, private sightseeing, organised transfers, and professional local support ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Although designed as a budget-friendly itinerary, this tour reflects the core values of our Egypt Private Tours — personalised service, knowledgeable guides, and flexible planning — proving that quality travel doesn’t have to come at a premium price.
What Makes This Tour Special
✔️ Private guided sightseeing with licensed licensed local guides
✔️ Well-balanced itinerary: Cairo highlights + Nile cruise experience
✔️ Budget-conscious pricing without compromising comfort or safety
✔️ Carefully selected hotels and cruise accommodation
✔️ Local on-ground support from arrival to departure
Whether you’re visiting Egypt for the first time, travelling as a couple or with friends, or looking for a smart-value introduction to the country’s most famous sights, this itinerary delivers authenticity, comfort, and peace of mind from start to finish.
👉 Want to adjust hotels, add experiences, or extend your stay?
This tour can be customized before booking to better match your travel style and budget.
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’ll be greeted by our friendly representative. Enjoy a seamless transfer in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Settle in and relax before your adventure begins.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Welcome Drink
Day 2
Cairo – Great Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara
Cairo – Great Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then embark on a guided exploration of Egypt's most iconic landmarks:
- Great Pyramids of Giza: Stand in awe of the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.
- Great Sphinx: Marvel at the timeless guardian statue, a masterpiece dating back to Chephren’s reign.
- Capture panoramic views of these incredible monuments.
- Lunch: Savor authentic Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Continue to:
- Memphis: Discover Egypt’s first capital and its impressive artifacts.
- Sakkara: Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid structure.
Optional Activity:
- Attend the dazzling Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3
Fly to Aswan - Aswan Day Tour - Nile Cruise
Fly to Aswan - Aswan Day Tour - Nile Cruise
-
After breakfast, fly to Aswan, where your guide will take you on an inspiring tour:
- High Dam: Learn about this engineering marvel that transformed Egypt.
- Philae Temple: Discover this temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.
- Unfinished Obelisk: Witness the skill of ancient stonemasons.
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Embark on Your Nile Cruise: Board your cruise ship, and your floating home for the next few days, and enjoy the serene journey to Kom Ombo.
Night on the Nile cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Nile Cruise - Kom Ombo & Edfu
Nile Cruise - Kom Ombo & Edfu
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After breakfast, explore:
- Kom Ombo Temple: A unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.
- Edfu Temple: Visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, dedicated to Horus.
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Evening Highlight: Enjoy a fun-filled Galabya party on the cruise.
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Continue your journey to Luxor.
Night on the Nile cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Nile Cruise – Luxor
Nile Cruise – Luxor
Begin your day with an exploration of Luxor's ancient wonders:
- East Bank: Visit the majestic Karnak Temple and the elegant Luxor Temple.
- West Bank: Walk through the Valley of the Kings and Queens, admire the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and marvel at the towering Colossi of Memnon.
Night on the Nile cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Back to Cairo - Cairo City Tour
Back to Cairo - Cairo City Tour
After breakfast, fly back to Cairo for a full day of discovery:
- Egyptian Museum: Explore treasures, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun.
- Citadel of Salah El-Din: Learn about the medieval fortress and visit the stunning Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali.
- Old Cairo: Visit historic religious sites, including the Hanging Church, the Church of Abu Serga, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
- Return to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Overnight in Cairo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7
Departure
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your final departure, taking unforgettable memories of Egypt with you.
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
- Selected Hotel Accommodation
- Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Domestic Transportation
- Fully Guided Private Tours
- Entrance Fees to Main 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."
"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.
What to Wear (Comfort Comes First)
You don’t need to dress conservatively at all times — just thoughtfully and comfortably.
Egypt’s climate is generally warm, so light, breathable clothing is ideal for daytime sightseeing ☀️.
When visiting temples, mosques, or churches, it’s respectful to cover shoulders and knees, while casual attire is perfectly acceptable in hotels and on the Nile cruise. Swimwear is completely fine at hotel pools and onboard the cruise 🏊♀️.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as many historical sites involve uneven paths and extended walking — you’ll appreciate them by the end of the day.
Local Customs & Everyday Etiquette
Egyptians are welcoming, friendly, and used to international visitors, but small gestures of respect go a long way.
Always ask permission before photographing people 📸, especially in local neighbourhoods or markets. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques, and public displays of affection are best kept minimal.
A warm smile, a simple greeting, and polite behaviour are always appreciated and often rewarded with genuine hospitality 😊.
Money, Payments & Tipping
Managing money in Egypt is straightforward with a little preparation.
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger establishments. It’s still helpful to carry some cash for local markets, small purchases, and tips. Tipping is customary in Egypt and considered a sign of appreciation rather than obligation — we provide clear guidance so you know what’s fair and expected 👍.
Questions about this tour
Is this tour really private, or will I join other travellers?
Yes — this tour is part of our Egypt Private Tours, meaning all sightseeing is conducted privately with your own licensed licensed local guide and private transportation. You will not be joined by other travellers during tours or transfers.
The only shared element is the Nile cruise ship itself, which is standard worldwide. However, all excursions from the cruise are privately guided, ensuring a personalised experience throughout.
Does “budget tour” mean lower quality or rushed sightseeing?
Not at all. “Budget” refers to smart pricing, not compromised quality.
This tour is carefully designed to include Egypt’s most important highlights while avoiding unnecessary luxury add-ons that increase cost without adding value.
Hotels and the Nile cruise are selected for cleanliness, comfort, and good location, and the itinerary is paced to allow proper exploration — not rushed photo stops.
Is Egypt safe for first-time visitors?
Yes. Egypt is a well-established tourist destination, and visitor safety is taken very seriously — especially in major tourist areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and along the Nile.
With licensed professional guides, private transportation, and pre-arranged logistics, you avoid common travel challenges.
Our local team monitors conditions continuously and provides 24/7 support, giving first-time visitors peace of mind from arrival to departure.
What level of hotels and Nile cruise should I expect?
You’ll stay in carefully selected mid-range hotels in Cairo and a comfortable Nile cruise offering en-suite cabins, air conditioning, and full-board meals during the cruise portion.
While this is not a luxury tour, accommodation is chosen to ensure comfort after full sightseeing days. Optional hotel or cruise upgrades may be available upon request before booking.
Are flights, visas, and entrance fees included?
All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary are included, as well as all ground transportation and domestic transfers within Egypt.
International flights are not included, giving you flexibility to book from your preferred departure city. The Egypt entry visa is also not included (approximately $25 USD on arrival), but we provide full guidance to make the process simple.
Can I customise this tour before booking?
Absolutely. While this is a fixed-duration itinerary, we’re happy to customise elements before confirmation, such as:
- Hotel category upgrades
- Adding optional experiences (Abu Simbel, hot air balloon in Luxor, extra tomb visits)
- Adjusting sightseeing pace
- Adding extra nights in Cairo or Aswan
All customisation support is handled before booking, at no extra planning cost.


