Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Alexandria: Nile Cruise, Hot Air Balloon, Abu Simbel

Summary

Ancient temples, Nile cruise nights and sunrise over Luxor

You’ll step inside ancient tombs in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings with a private guide, drift down the Nile on a 5-star cruise ship with all meals included, watch sunrise from a hot air balloon over Karnak Temple, and wander Alexandria’s catacombs before returning to Cairo each night in comfort. This trip isn’t just about seeing Egypt — it’s about feeling its history under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen closely, you can still hear the chisel marks,” our guide Amr said as we stood in the cool shadow of the Giza Pyramids. I’d just landed in Cairo that morning — still a bit sleep-deprived — and already there I was, squinting up at those impossible stones. The air tasted dusty-sweet and there was this faint smell of mint from the tea stall nearby. Amr laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly (I probably didn’t), but he seemed to appreciate the effort. By the time we reached the Sphinx, my shoes were full of sand and my head was full of questions about how any of this could be real.

The next day we drove to Alexandria. The sea breeze felt different there — saltier, somehow softer. At Kom El-Deka, I watched an old man gesture wildly as he explained something to his grandson (no idea what about), and it made me smile. Lunch was fish so fresh it almost flinched when you squeezed lemon on it. The catacombs were colder than I expected; my breath fogged a little as Amr explained their history. It’s strange how quickly you get used to hearing stories that are thousands of years old — like they’re just part of daily life here.

Flying south to Luxor felt like jumping centuries ahead and then back again. Our private Egyptologist met us right off the plane; she had this way of weaving facts into stories so you forgot you were learning anything at all. The Valley of the Kings is quieter than photos make it seem — just wind and footsteps echoing off stone walls painted with colors older than most countries. Boarding the Nile cruise ship after that felt surreal: suddenly everything slowed down to river pace. Meals were noisy and warm; at night I’d lean over the rail just listening to water slap against the hull.

I’ll never forget floating above Luxor in that hot air balloon at sunrise — honestly, my hands shook a little (heights aren’t really my thing). But watching sunlight creep across Karnak Temple from above? Worth every nervous heartbeat. Later that evening, drifting on a felucca as call to prayer echoed across the water… well, it’s one of those memories that sticks with you long after you’ve left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival, Giza Pyramids and Sphinx

• Arrive at Cairo airport
• Transfer to 4-star hotel
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Giza Pyramids with guide
• Visit Great Sphinx and temple
• Camel ride around pyramids
• Lunch
• Return to hotel

Day 2 — Full-day Alexandria city tour

• Transfer to Alexandria by car
• Visit Kom El-Deka
• Visit Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Great Library of Alexandria
• Visit Citadel of Qaitbay
• Return to Cairo hotel
• Dinner and accommodation

Day 3 — Flight to Luxor and West Bank tour

• Transfer to Cairo airport
• Fly to Luxor
• Meet delegate at Luxor airport
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Transfer to Nile cruise ship
• Lunch on cruise ship
• Start sailing at 2:00 pm

Day 4 — Edfu Temple visit and cruise

• Visit Temple of Horus at Edfu
• Return to Nile cruise ship
• Enjoy meals and ship facilities

Day 5 — Aswan High Dam, Philae and Obelisk

• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk
• Return to Nile cruise ship

Day 6 — Abu Simbel temple visit

• Early morning visit to Abu Simbel Temples
• Return to Nile cruise ship

Day 7 — Kom Ombo temple visit

• Lunch on Nile cruise ship
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Return to Nile cruise ship

Day 8 — Relax and Karnak sound and light show

• Breakfast on cruise ship
• Relax and enjoy Esna lock views
• Arrive in Luxor at 5:00 pm
• Attend sound and light show at Karnak Temple
• Return to Nile cruise ship

Day 9 — Hot air balloon and Luxor temples

• Early morning hot air balloon ride
• Visit Karnak Temple with guide
• Felucca ride on Nile at sunset
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Return to Nile cruise ship and collect luggage
• Transfer to Luxor airport
• Fly to Cairo
• Meet delegate and transfer to Cairo hotel

Top questions

Is airport pickup included for this private Egypt tour?

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off are included in Cairo and Luxor.

Does this package include domestic flights between cities?

Yes, return air tickets from Cairo to Luxor are provided.

Are meals included during the Nile cruise?

All meals are included while staying on the 5-star Nile cruise ship.

Will I have a private Egyptologist guide throughout?

Yes, a professional certified Egyptologist guide accompanies you at all archaeological sites.

Is hotel accommodation provided in both Cairo and Alexandria?

You’ll stay in 4-star hotels in Cairo (also covering Alexandria visits) plus nights aboard the Nile cruise ship.

What major attractions will we visit on this tour?

You’ll see Giza Pyramids & Sphinx, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel Temples, Kom Ombo Temple & more.

Is transportation between cities by flight or car?

You’ll fly between Cairo and Luxor; other transfers use private air-conditioned vehicles.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, transportation options and most areas are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your journey includes private airport pickup and drop-off in both Cairo and Luxor, all domestic flights between cities, hotel stays in Cairo with breakfast each morning before setting out for places like Giza or Alexandria by private car (with snacks), full-board accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise ship sailing between Luxor and Aswan (all meals included), guided visits at every major temple or site with your own certified Egyptologist guide answering every question you throw at them—even if you’re jetlagged—and special experiences like a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor plus felucca sailing at sunset before being transferred back to your hotel or next flight home.