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Home / Egypt Private Tours / 10 Day Egypt Itinerary – Cairo, Alex and Cruise with Abu Simbel
Private Egypt tour

10 Day Egypt Itinerary – Cairo, Alex and Cruise with Abu Simbel

10 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

Plan your dream trip with our 10 day Egypt itinerary! Explore iconic sights and hidden gems. Book your adventure today!

Experience the magic of Egypt with our expertly designed 10 Day Egypt Itinerary — a perfect blend of ancient history, cultural immersion, and modern luxury. Journey through the heart of the Pharaohs’ land: stand before the mighty Pyramids of Giza, explore the Greco-Roman marvels of Alexandria, and sail the timeless Nile River in a luxury cruise from Luxor to Aswan.

This is more than a tour — it’s a fully tailored, privately guided adventure designed for curious travelers who want comfort, insight, and unforgettable moments.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Discover Egypt your way — in total comfort, with zero guesswork. Contact our local experts now to reserve your private 10 days Egypt tour package or customize it to fit your dream itinerary.

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 · 10 DAYS · 5 STOPS

CairoLuxorAswanAbu SimbelAlexandria
DAY1
Day 1

Arrival in Cairo

  • Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, meet our friendly representative for a warm greeting and smooth visa assistance.
  • Enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel and check-in.
  • Take the rest of the day to relax, explore your hotel, or meet with our tour manager to go over your exciting itinerary.

Overnight in Cairo
🍽️ Meals: Welcome Drink

DAY2
Day 2

Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum & Khan el-Khalili

  • After breakfast, meet your private guide and set off on an unforgettable journey to the Giza Pyramids.
  • Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, each a marvel of ancient engineering.
  • Get up close to the legendary Great Sphinx, with its mysterious expression, and visit the Valley Temple, where royal mummification rituals took place.
  • Enjoy a delicious Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to over 25,000 artifacts, including the golden treasures of King Tutankhamun.
  • End your day at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s oldest market, filled with colorful stalls, local crafts, and traditional cafés.

Overnight in Cairo
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

🎭 Optional Tour:

  • Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids – Witness the history of Egypt unfold in a spectacular sound and light display against the illuminated Giza Pyramids and Sphinx.
DAY3
Day 3

Fly to Luxor & Explore the East Bank

  • Transfer to Cairo Airport for a short domestic flight to Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum.
  • Upon arrival, our representative will assist you and take you to board your luxury Nile cruise.
  • Begin your exploration at Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt, featuring the grand Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns.
  • Visit Luxor Temple, a magnificent structure built by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II, showcasing a blend of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman influences.
  • Return to your cruise to unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner as you sail along the Nile River.

Overnight on Nile Cruise
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY4
Day 4

Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon

  • Start your day with a visit to the famous Valley of the Kings, the burial site of over 60 Pharaohs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
  • Explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh.
  • Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III, which have stood for over 3,400 years.
  • Return to the cruise for lunch and relaxation as you sail toward Edfu.

Overnight on Nile Cruise
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY5
Day 5

Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

  • Visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon god.
  • Sail to Kom Ombo and explore its unique double temple, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed god.
  • Learn about the ancient medical practices and see the mummified crocodiles inside the temple’s small museum.
  • Enjoy a peaceful evening onboard as you continue sailing toward Aswan.

Overnight on Nile Cruise
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY6
Day 6

Abu Simbel Temples Tour

  • Take a private transfer to the breathtaking Abu Simbel Temples, one of Egypt’s most iconic sites.
  • Marvel at the two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II, featuring colossal statues and stunning carvings.
  • Explore the Temple of Queen Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, and admire the intricate reliefs.
  • Return to your cruise for lunch, relaxation, and a final scenic sail on the Nile.

Overnight on Nile Cruise
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY7
Day 7

Aswan City Tour & Flight Back to Cairo

  • Visit the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel controlling the Nile’s floodwaters.
  • See the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous granite monument that reveals the stone-cutting techniques of ancient Egyptians.
  • Discover the Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and magic, set on a beautiful island.
  • Fly back to Cairo and transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Cairo
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY8
Day 8

Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo

  • Travel to Alexandria, Egypt’s stunning Mediterranean city filled with historical treasures.
  • Descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground burial site blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art.
  • Visit the Library of Alexandria, one of the world’s greatest cultural landmarks.
  • Explore the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built on the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
  • Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Stop at Pompey’s Pillar, a towering Roman column and a symbol of Alexandria’s rich history.
  • Return to Cairo for a restful evening.

Overnight in Cairo
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY9
Day 9

Leisure Day in Cairo & Optional Excursions

  • Enjoy a free day in Cairo to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.
  • Optional Tours:
    🕌 Islamic & Coptic Cairo Tour – Discover the spiritual heart of Cairo, visiting the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the historic Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas.
    Nile Felucca Ride – Sail on a traditional wooden Felucca for a peaceful 1-hour journey along the Nile.
    🌆 Cairo Tower Visit – Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city from Cairo’s tallest structure.

Overnight in Cairo
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

DAY10
Day 10

Final Departure

  • After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport.
  • Depart with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for Egypt’s incredible history and culture.

🍽️ 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."

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
$2,050/pp · double$3,300single

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

Hotels
  • Jaz Pyramids Resort
  • Barceló Cairo Pyramids
  • Saray Pyramids
  • or similar class
Nile cruise
  • Radamis
  • Princess Sarah
  • Royal Princess
  • or similar class
Standard season · October – April
$2,280/pp · double$3,700single

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

Hotels
  • Steigenberger
  • Hilton Dream
  • Helnan Dream
  • or similar class
Nile cruise
  • Blue Shadow
  • Paradise
  • Nile Premium
  • or similar class
Standard season · October – April
$4,450/pp · double$8,190single

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

Hotels
  • 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 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

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Yes, most travelers need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. For U.S., UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian passport holders, visas are available on arrival at Cairo Airport (~$25 USD) or online via Egypt’s official e-visa portal.

💡 Need help? We’re happy to assist with visa guidance during booking.

Is this a private or group tour?

All our tours, including this 10-day Egypt itinerary, are 100% private. That means you'll have your own vehicle, private guide, and flexible scheduling — no strangers, no waiting.

Are domestic flights included in the package?

Yes. Roundtrip domestic flights — Cairo ↔ Luxor and Aswan ↔ Cairo — are fully included in all package tiers (Affordable, Golden, Platinum).

What’s the best time of year to take this Egypt tour?

The best time to visit Egypt is October through April, when temperatures are mild and ideal for exploring ancient sites. Summer (May–September) is hotter but suitable for budget-conscious or seasoned travelers who don’t mind early starts and afternoon rest.

How much walking is involved in this itinerary?

Expect a moderate level of walking each day, especially at large archaeological sites like the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak Temple. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Your private guide will always adjust the pace to your comfort.

Is the Nile cruise part of the tour? Which cruise lines do you use?

Yes — a 4-night luxury Nile cruise is included from Luxor to Aswan.

Depending on your selected package, we use top-rated ships like:

  • 🥉 Affordable: Radamis, Princess Sarah or similar
  • 🥈 Golden: Blue Shadow, Nile Paradise or similar
  • 🥇 Platinum: Movenpick Lotus or Lily, Acamar, Serenity or similar

All cabins include full-board meals and en-suite rooms.

What kind of hotels are included?

Each package includes carefully selected 4★, 5★, or ultra-luxury hotels in Cairo and Alexandria. We only partner with properties that offer excellent service, guest safety, and comfort.

Sample hotels:

  • Affordable: Swiss Inn Golf, Barcelo Cairo Pyramids
  • Golden: Steigenberger, Hilton Dreamland
  • Platinum: Sofitel El Gezirah, Kempinski Nile, Hyatt Regency
Can I customize this tour or add days?

Absolutely. You can add:

  • Extra nights in Cairo or Luxor
  • A beach extension to the Red Sea (Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheik)
  • Desert safaris or Alexandria overnight stays

✏️ Let us tailor this itinerary around your timeline and travel style.

What if I’m traveling with kids?

Children are welcome! Discounts apply:

  • Ages 0–2: Free
  • Ages 2–5: 25% of adult price
  • Ages 6–11: 50% of adult price

👨‍👩‍👧 Let us adjust the pace, hotel room types, and activities for families with children.

From
$2,050
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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)