Overview
This is the journey most people picture when they think of Egypt, and it is worth doing properly. Three nights in Cairo cover Giza, Saqqara and the museum collections; the remaining four move south to the temple country between Luxor and Aswan — Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The southern leg can be arranged as a Nile cruise or as land-based stays with private transport, and the choice genuinely changes the trip: a cruise is more restful and covers the temples between the two cities naturally, while land-based stays allow more time at Luxor’s west bank. Both are quotable and we will recommend based on your travelling party rather than defaulting to one.
Highlights
- Giza, Saqqara and the Cairo museum
- Karnak and Luxor temples
- Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut
- Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae temples
- Felucca sail on the Nile at Aswan
- Choice of Nile cruise or land-based stays
Cities & Places
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
Ideal For
Accommodation
Centrally located 4-star hotel in Cairo, and for the southern leg either a Nile cruise vessel or hotels in Luxor and Aswan. Premium 5-star options are available for both approaches, including Nile-facing hotels in Cairo. Cruise vessels vary considerably in standard and are matched carefully rather than by star rating alone. Properties and vessels are confirmed at quotation stage, subject to verification and availability.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Cairo
Airport transfer and check-in. Evening free.
- 2
Giza & Saqqara
Full guided day at the Giza plateau, the Sphinx, Saqqara’s Step Pyramid and Memphis.
- 3
Museums & old Cairo
Morning at the pharaonic museum collections, afternoon in Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili.
- 4
To Luxor
Domestic flight south. Afternoon at Karnak and Luxor temples. Overnight aboard the cruise or at a Luxor hotel.
- 5
Luxor west bank
The Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon at leisure or sailing.
- 6
Edfu & Kom Ombo
The temples between Luxor and Aswan, visited en route south.
- 7
Aswan
The Philae temple complex, the High Dam, and a felucca sail around the islands. Afternoon free.
- 8
Departure
Domestic flight to Cairo for onward connection, or direct departure from Aswan.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast, or full board where a cruise is selected
- Airport and inter-city transfers
- Domestic flights within Egypt
- Guided sightseeing throughout with Egyptology guiding
- Nile felucca sail at Aswan
- Private air- conditioned transport in Cairo
- Itinerary planning and in-destination support from Ramada Tours Travel Agency
Exclusions
- ✕International flights unless specifically quoted
- ✕Visa or entry fees unless verified and quoted
- ✕Special-ticket sites including certain tombs and pyramid interiors unless specified
- ✕Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel or hot air ballooning at Luxor
- ✕Meals not covered by the selected board basis
- ✕Personal expenses and gratuities
- ✕Travel insurance unless included in a confirmed quotation
Important Notes
Upper Egypt is significantly hotter than Cairo, and summer temperatures at Luxor and Aswan are extreme — this route is far more comfortable between October and April, and we will say so rather than sell a July departure without comment. Temple visiting involves extended walking on uneven stone in open sun. Cruise itineraries, sailing days and which temples fall on which day vary by operator and season and are confirmed before travel. Entry requirements differ by nationality and are verified before confirmation.
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Cairo & Nile Journey
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