happy-tourists-at-abu-simbel-nile-empire

12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour: Cairo, Nile Cruise

Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Route
Cairo · Aswan · Nile Cruise · Luxor · Hurghada
Style
Private Touring · Nile Cruise · Red Sea
Schedule
Daily Departures · Private

Overview

A luxury journey through Egypt is not simply about where you stay. It is about travelling at the right pace, having every important detail arranged and experiencing each destination with the insight of a knowledgeable local guide.

This 12-day Egypt luxury tour is designed around that idea. Privately guided sightseeing and carefully coordinated travel are balanced with time to enjoy the Nile and unwind beside the Red Sea. The result is a complete Egyptian journey that feels varied, comfortable and personal from arrival to departure.

Created for travellers who want to experience more of Egypt without making the trip feel rushed, this is one of our most rewarding luxury Egypt tour packages.

Highlights

The Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum
Philae Temple and the monumental temples of Abu Simbel
Three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak and Luxor Temple
Orange Bay snorkeling and time to unwind in Hurghada

Itinerary

1Day 1: Welcome to Cairo
Your journey begins at Cairo International Airport, where a Nile Empire representative will be waiting outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name and the company name. Travel privately to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and receive assistance with check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to rest after the flight or begin discovering Cairo at your own pace. Overnight in Cairo.
2Day 2: The Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum
Meet your private Egyptologist guide and travel to the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids have stood above the desert for more than four millennia. See the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, the panoramic viewpoint and the Great Sphinx. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where monumental statues, royal possessions and the treasures of Tutankhamun reveal the scale and artistry of ancient Egyptian civilization. Return privately to your hotel after the tour. Overnight in Cairo.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast
3Day 3: Citadel, Coptic Cairo and Khan El Khalili
Today explores the religious and architectural heritage of Cairo beyond the pharaonic era. Begin at the Citadel of Saladin, overlooking the city from the Mokattam Hills, and step inside the Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its grand domes and alabaster-lined interior. Continue to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue within one of the capital’s oldest districts. Later, walk through the historic lanes of Khan El Khalili, where traditional workshops, old buildings and colourful shops preserve the atmosphere of medieval Cairo. Return privately to your hotel at the end of the day. Overnight in Cairo.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast
4Day 4: Fly to Aswan and Begin Your Nile Cruise
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, meet your local representative and continue to your Nile cruise for embarkation and lunch aboard. Your first Aswan visit is the High Dam, one of modern Egypt’s major engineering projects. From there, take a motorboat across the reservoir to Philae Temple, an island sanctuary dedicated principally to the goddess Isis. Return to the cruise for dinner and your first evening beside the Nile. Overnight aboard the Nile cruise in Aswan.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5Day 5: Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo
Depart early with a breakfast box for a private road journey across the desert to Abu Simbel. Carved into the mountainside near Egypt’s southern border, the site contains the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Queen Nefertari. Their colossal façades and carefully aligned interiors make Abu Simbel one of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient monuments. Return to Aswan and rejoin your cruise for lunch as the vessel begins sailing north. Later, visit the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Continue sailing towards Edfu, with dinner served aboard. Overnight aboard the Nile cruise near Edfu.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6Day 6: Edfu Temple and Sailing to Luxor
Visit Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples of the ancient world. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, its towering entrance, courtyards and detailed reliefs provide an exceptional picture of temple life during the Ptolemaic period. Return to the cruise and spend the rest of the day sailing towards Luxor. Enjoy the changing scenery along the Nile, with villages, farmland and palm-lined riverbanks passing beyond the deck. Lunch and dinner are served aboard as the cruise completes its journey to Luxor. Overnight aboard the Nile cruise in Luxor.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7Day 7: Disembarkation and Luxor West Bank
After breakfast, disembark from the cruise and cross to Luxor’s West Bank, the great burial ground of ancient Thebes. Enter the Valley of the Kings, where New Kingdom pharaohs created richly decorated tombs within the desert cliffs. Continue to the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, built against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, and stop beside the Colossi of Memnon, the monumental statues that once guarded the temple of Amenhotep III. After the tour, transfer privately to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Luxor.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast
Optional Excursion Sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Luxor.
8Day 8: Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Red Sea
Discover the monuments of Luxor’s East Bank, beginning at Karnak Temple. Built and expanded by successive pharaohs, the complex is filled with monumental gateways, sacred lakes, obelisks and the immense columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall. Continue to Luxor Temple, an elegant sanctuary connected to Karnak in antiquity by the Avenue of Sphinxes. After the visits, leave the Nile Valley behind and travel privately through the Eastern Desert to Hurghada. Check in to your resort and enjoy your first evening beside the Red Sea. Overnight in Hurghada.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9Day 9: Orange Bay Snorkeling Experience
Transfer to the marina and board your boat for a day on the Red Sea. Sail towards Orange Bay, with opportunities to swim and snorkel in clear water above colourful coral reefs. Spend time relaxing on the island’s sandy beach and enjoy lunch during the excursion before returning to Hurghada. The evening is free to enjoy the facilities and all-inclusive service at your resort. The sailing route and snorkeling stops may change according to sea and weather conditions. Overnight in Hurghada.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10Day 10: A Day at Leisure in Hurghada
Enjoy a full day without scheduled sightseeing. Relax beside the pool, spend time on the beach or make the most of your resort’s facilities and all-inclusive service. Travellers looking for more activity may add an optional desert safari, quad-bike experience or another Red Sea excursion. Overnight in Hurghada.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11Day 11: Fly from Hurghada to Cairo
After breakfast, transfer privately to Hurghada Airport for your flight to Cairo. A Nile Empire representative will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for last-minute shopping, relaxation or an optional evening experience in the capital. Overnight in Cairo.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast
Optional Excursion Cairo dinner cruise with entertainment
12Day 12: Departure from Cairo
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport. Your representative will assist with the transfer and drop you off at the appropriate departure terminal, marking the end of your journey through Egypt.
🍽️ Meals Included Breakfast

Luxury Egypt Tour vs Standard Egypt Package

FeatureThis 12-Day Luxury TourStandard Egypt Package
Accommodation5-star hotels4-star hotels
Nile cruise5-stars Deluxe Category 5-stars Standard Category
Abu SimbelPrivate road excursion includedCommonly offered as an optional excursion
Red Sea stayThree-night all-inclusive stay in HurghadaShorter stay, breakfast basis or not included
Best suitedTravellers seeking comfort, variety and a balanced paceTravellers prioritising a lower overall budget

What’s Included

Included

  • All airport pickups and drop-offs required for the trip
  • Four nights in a 5-star Cairo hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis
  • Three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise on a full-board basis
  • One night in a 5-star Luxor hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis
  • Three nights in a 5-star Hurghada resort on an all-inclusive basis
  • Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and Hurghada to Cairo
  • Private road excursion from Aswan to Abu Simbel
  • Private air-conditioned transportation for all scheduled transfers
  • Private sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Certified English-speaking Egyptologist guide during sightseeing tours
  • Shared Orange Bay boat excursion with lunch and snorkeling equipment
  • Main entrance fees for the included sightseeing
  • One bottle of water per person during each sightseeing day
  • All taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Egypt
  • Egypt entry visa
  • Entry inside the Great Pyramid and specially priced tomb tickets
  • Optional tours and activities not listed as included
  • Meals and beverages outside the stated meal plans
  • Personal expenses and travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, representatives and cruise staff
Pricing Information

Prices are shown in US dollars per person. Seasonal supplements may apply during Christmas, New Year and Easter unless a specific seasonal price is displayed.

Children’s Policy
0-5.99 years
Free of charge
6-11.99 years
Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years
Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children travelling with their parents. Where accommodation is included, a maximum of one child per room applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accommodation is included in this package?
The package includes four nights in a 5-star Cairo hotel, three nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruise, one night in a 5-star Luxor hotel and three nights in a 5-star Hurghada resort. Cairo and Luxor are on a bed-and-breakfast basis, the Nile cruise is full board and the Hurghada stay is all inclusive. Final properties depend on availability for your travel dates.
Are the domestic flights included?
Yes. The package includes domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Hurghada to Cairo, together with the required private airport transfers. Flight times are selected according to availability and the planned itinerary.
Is this a completely private tour?
Your scheduled sightseeing tours and ground transfers are private, with your own vehicle and Egyptologist guide. The Nile cruise operates as a shared vessel with a private cabin, while the Orange Bay excursion is aboard a shared boat.
Are the sightseeing entrance fees included?
Yes. The main entrance fees for the sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary are included. Special tickets, such as entry inside the Great Pyramid and separately priced tombs in the Valley of the Kings, are excluded unless added to your booking.
Is the Abu Simbel excursion included?
Yes. A private road excursion from Aswan to Abu Simbel is included. The journey begins early in the morning and takes approximately three hours in each direction. You will visit both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari.
What meals are provided during the tour?
Breakfast is included at the Cairo and Luxor hotels. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during the three-night Nile cruise. The Hurghada resort is all inclusive, and lunch is also included during the Orange Bay boat excursion. Meals and beverages outside the stated plans are not included.
Can this package begin on any day?
The package can be requested for any travel period, but the Nile cruise operates on fixed sailing days and remains subject to availability. The arrival date or order of certain activities may therefore be adjusted to coordinate with the selected cruise while preserving the complete package.

Why Book With Nile Empire

Local experts

An Egypt-based team that lives and breathes these journeys.

Private & tailor-made

Every trip built around your dates, pace, and budget.

Certified Egyptologists

Your own private guide at every temple and tomb.

Confirm before you pay

We confirm availability and your final price first. A deposit is only due once you are happy to proceed.

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★
We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
Sommerstar · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.
Abdelaziz · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
CE · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.
Mangesh Satpute · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.
Priyanka Kannan · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.
M & S Krebs · TripAdvisor
★★★★★Rated excellent on TripAdvisorRead reviews

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