Egypt: Nile Cruise, Cairo & Luxor Tour with Balloon Ride

Summary

Travel Egypt’s ancient wonders by cruise train and balloon

You’ll move from Cairo’s wild energy to silent tombs in Luxor, riding trains and boats along the Nile with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Expect sunrise balloon rides over ancient ruins, market scents that stick with you, and temples that feel bigger than history books ever made them seem.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the sound — Cairo’s traffic is its own language, honestly. Our guide, Ahmed, met us right at the airport (he had this sign with my name in big blue marker) and somehow steered us through the arrivals chaos like he’d done it a thousand times. I was still half-awake when we pulled up to the hotel, but the city was already buzzing outside. That first night I just sat by the window listening to car horns and calls to prayer mixing together. It felt like I’d landed somewhere that never really sleeps.

The next morning started early — Giza Pyramids day. The sand gets everywhere, but you stop caring once you’re standing in front of those things. Ahmed told us stories about Cheops and Chefren while a camel handler tried to convince me his camel’s name was Michael Jackson (I’m not sure if he was joking). The Sphinx looks smaller than you expect but somehow more mysterious up close. Later at Saqqara, there was this dry wind that made the stones feel even older under your hands.

We took a day trip from Cairo to Alexandria — long drive but worth it for the sea air alone. Lunch was grilled fish in some place by the harbor where nobody spoke English; our guide ordered for us and laughed when I tried to pronounce “Qaitbay.” The Roman amphitheater’s marble seats were cool even in the sun. Back in Cairo, wandering Khan el Khalili market was total sensory overload: bakhoor smoke curling around piles of spices, gold sellers waving us over, kids darting between stalls. I bought tea leaves I’ll probably never use.

The overnight train south rattled so much I barely slept (bring earplugs), but waking up rolling into Aswan felt like another world — palm trees and slow river boats instead of city noise. The Nile cruise itself was way more comfortable than I expected; meals on deck watching green fields slide by is something I still think about. Visiting Abu Simbel meant a 4:30am start (painful), but seeing those temples rise out of pink desert light? Worth every yawn.

Luxor hit different — maybe it was the hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating above temples and fields while everything turned gold below us. My hands were shaking a bit (heights aren’t my thing), but everyone cheered when we landed safely in some farmer’s field. The Valley of the Kings felt quiet compared to everywhere else; inside one tomb it smelled faintly sweet and old, like dust and incense mixed together. By then I’d stopped trying to take photos of everything — just wanted to remember how it all felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Cairo

• Arrival and hotel check-in
• Information meeting
• Leisure time

Day 2 — Cairo – Giza Pyramids – Saqqara

• Visit Giza Plateau
• See Great Sphinx
• Tour pyramids
• Visit Saqqara Plateau

Day 3 — Alexandria – Amphitheater – Pompey's Pillar

• Drive to Alexandria
• Visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Tour Roman Amphitheater
• See Pompey's Pillar
• Visit Qaitbay Citadel
• Return to Cairo

Day 4 — Museum – Citadel – Khan el Khalili

• Tour Egyptian Museum
• Lunch at authentic restaurant
• Visit Saladin Citadel
• See Mohamed Ali Mosque
• Shop at Khan el Khalili

Day 5 — Transfer to Nile Cruise & Aswan

• Meet guide at Aswan
• Transfer to Nile Cruise
• Lunch on board
• Visit High Dam
• Tour Temple of Isis
• Dinner and folkloric show

Day 6 — Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo Temple

• Pick up for Abu Simbel
• Visit Abu Simbel Temples
• Return to cruise
• Lunch on board
• Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit Kom Ombo Temple
• Dinner on board
• Sail to Edfu

Day 7 — Edfu Temple & Luxor Arrival

• Horse carriage to Edfu Temple
• Return to cruise
• Relax and sail to Luxor
• Cross Esna Lock
• Lunch on board
• Afternoon tea on sundeck
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Dinner and belly dancing

Day 8 — Balloon Ride & Luxor Tour

• Hot air balloon flight
• Breakfast
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Tour Hatshepsut Temple
• Photo stop at Memnon statues
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Transfer to Luxor Airport

Day 9 — Final Departure

• Early breakfast
• Transfer to Cairo Airport

Top questions

How many days is this Egypt tour?

This tour lasts 9 days from arrival in Cairo until departure.

Is hotel pickup included for all activities?

Yes, door-to-door transfers from/to Cairo International Airport are included.

Does this tour include a Nile cruise?

Yes, you'll spend 3 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise boat with all meals included.

Are flights within Egypt part of the package?

A domestic flight from Luxor back to Cairo is included in your itinerary.

What main attractions are visited on this tour?

The tour covers Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, Alexandria sites, Egyptian Museum, Abu Simbel Temples, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and more.

Is there a hot air balloon ride in Luxor?

Yes, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor is included.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Breakfasts are included at hotels; all meals are provided during the Nile cruise portion.

Is there an expert local guide throughout?

An Egyptology-certified local guide accompanies you at all major sites.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport meet-and-greet with transfers both ways in Cairo; four nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast; three nights aboard a five-star Nile cruise including all meals; overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan; guided visits to major sites such as Abu Simbel Temples and Valley of the Kings; domestic flight from Luxor back to Cairo; horse carriage ride at Edfu Temple; sunrise hot air balloon experience over Luxor; entry fees as per itinerary; plus support from an expert Egyptology guide throughout your trip.