Nile Cruise Luxor & Aswan with Cairo Pyramids from Cairo

Summary

Egypt’s Ancient Wonders by River & City with Local Guide

Travel from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan with a local guide, exploring ancient pyramids, sailing by Nile cruise past temples like Kom Ombo and Karnak, and wandering lively markets. With hotel pickup, domestic flights, meals on board, and expert stories along the way — you’ll find moments here that stay with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, the Nile never really sleeps,” our guide Ahmed said as we watched the river drift past in Aswan. He was right — even at sunrise, there were fishermen calling out to each other and the smell of fresh bread somewhere nearby. Our first days had been all city — Cairo’s honking taxis, the pyramids rising out of morning haze (I still can’t believe how close they are to the city), and that moment when I tried koshari for lunch and didn’t expect it to be so filling. The private transportation made it easy — no haggling or getting lost, just following Ahmed’s lead.

The day we flew south for our Nile cruise, I felt that weird mix of excitement and nerves (airports always do that). In Aswan, we visited the unfinished obelisk — you can actually run your hand along its rough side where ancient workers left off. The high dam was less poetic but kind of impressive in its own way. Lunch on board the cruise tasted like cumin and tomatoes; I remember sitting on deck after, watching kids wave from the shore as we sailed toward Kom Ombo. The temples themselves — Kom Ombo at sunset, Edfu early in the morning with barely anyone else around — felt almost too old to understand. There was this dry heat clinging to everything but also a breeze off the water that made it bearable.

I kept thinking about how many people must have walked these same stones at Karnak or Valley of the Kings. Our group got quiet inside one of the tombs — maybe it was just cooler down there or maybe everyone was a little awed (or both). At Hatshepsut’s temple, Ahmed told us stories about her rule while a stray cat wound around his legs. We ended up back in Cairo for Coptic churches and Khan el Khalili market; I tried bargaining for spices but honestly just got distracted by all the colors and noise. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style but in Egypt — this is more like eight days of history layered on top of itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Cairo

• Reception and transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Visit the Pyramids

• Visit pyramids and Great Sphinx
• Lunch at Egyptian restaurant
• Return to hotel

Day 3 — Fly to Aswan and Nile Cruise

• Flight from Cairo to Aswan
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam
• Board Nile cruise and lunch on board

Day 4 — Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

• Sail to Kom Ombo and visit temple
• Sail to Edfu, overnight stay

Day 5 — Edfu Temple and Karnak

• Visit Edfu Temple
• Visit Karnak Temple

Day 6 — Valley of Kings and Luxor

• Visit Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
• Fly to Cairo and transfer to hotel

Day 7 — Cairo City Tour

• Visit Coptic Quarter, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Khan el Khalili

Day 8 — Departure

• Breakfast and transfer to Cairo airport

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Nile cruise Luxor & Aswan tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included throughout your journey.

Are domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor part of the package?

Yes, flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor back to Cairo are included.

How many nights do we spend on the Nile cruise?

You’ll spend 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise ship between Aswan and Luxor.

Is food included during the cruise?

The cruise includes full board (all meals except drinks) while onboard.

Are entry fees for attractions covered?

All fees and taxes for listed sites are included in your booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the trip.

Will there be a local guide during visits?

A knowledgeable local guide accompanies you at every major site.

What kind of hotels are provided in Cairo?

You’ll stay in 5-star hotels in Cairo with breakfast included each morning.

What’s included

Your journey includes private air-conditioned transfers with hotel pickup and drop-off; four nights in a five-star hotel in Cairo with breakfast; three nights full board on a five-star Nile cruise; all entrance fees; an expert local guide at every stop; domestic flights between cities; plus time to wander markets or just watch life drift by along the riverbanks before heading home again.