Embark on a 13-day journey through Egypt, combining Cairo’s legendary monuments, a luxurious 3-night Nile cruise, and time to relax by the Red Sea in Hurghada. From the Great Pyramids to the temples of Aswan and Luxor, this itinerary blends world-class sightseeing with moments of leisure, all guided by an English-speaking Egyptologist and traveling in the comfort of private air-conditioned vehicles.
Highlights
- Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum and treasures of Tutankhamun
- Experience an overnight sleeper train to Aswan
- Cruise the Nile in 5-star style for 3 nights
- Visit Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor & Karnak Temples
- Explore the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Relax for 4 nights in Hurghada on the Red Sea
- Travel seamlessly with sleeper train, cruise, domestic transfers, and private tours
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a Tour For Less representative who will assist you with all arrival formalities. Enjoy a seamless, private transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to your Cairo hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, unwind, and absorb the vibrant energy of Egypt's capital.
Overnight: Cairo
After breakfast, explore Egypt’s pyramid legacy with your expert Egyptologist guide. Begin at Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the world’s first stone pyramid and the foundation of ancient pyramid design.
Continue to the Giza Plateau to witness the legendary Great Pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the iconic Great Sphinx, guardian of these timeless monuments.
End the day at the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), showcasing Egypt’s most treasured artifacts, including the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Grand Staircase, and—upon full opening—the complete Tutankhamun collection.
In the evening, board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, with dinner served onboard as you travel south along the Nile.
Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive in the charming city of Aswan in the morning, known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning Nile scenery. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, an impressive feat of modern engineering that controls the Nile’s flow and created Lake Nasser. Continuing to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and gracefully located on an island, accessible by boat. Explore its elegant columns, sanctuaries, and well-preserved reliefs while learning about its remarkable relocation to save it from flooding. After the tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at your own pace, relaxing by the Nile or poolside.
Optional Activities: Nubian Village Visit: Travel by motorboat or felucca to a traditional Nubian village, where you can experience local culture, colorful houses, warm hospitality, and learn about Nubian customs and lifestyle.
Sunset Felucca Ride: Sail along the Nile at sunset for breathtaking views of Aswan’s islands and desert landscapes.
Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the Nile River and embark on your elegant 3-night Nile cruise. Once onboard, settle into your cabin and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as the ship begins its gentle journey northward.
In the afternoon, visit the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility and protection, and Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god of kingship and the sky. Explore its symmetrical design, ancient reliefs, and the nearby Crocodile Museum showcasing mummified crocodiles.
Return to the cruise for dinner and evening relaxation as you sail toward Edfu, enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the Nile.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark to visit the magnificent Temple of Edfu, reached by traditional horse-drawn carriage. This exceptionally well-preserved temple is dedicated to Horus, the god of protection and victory, and offers vivid insight into ancient Egyptian religious rituals and mythology.
Return to the cruise and enjoy lunch onboard as you continue sailing along the Nile. Spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in views of riverside villages, palm-lined banks, and timeless rural life. Onboard entertainment and amenities provide a relaxing atmosphere before dinner.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, explore Luxor’s East Bank, beginning with the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site ever constructed. Walk through the monumental Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns, sacred lakes, and grand obelisks that reflect centuries of pharaonic devotion.
Continue to Luxor Temple, beautifully positioned along the Nile and once connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. This temple played a central role in ancient religious festivals and royal ceremonies. Return to your cruise for dinner and a restful evening on board.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark the cruise and cross to Luxor’s West Bank, known as the ancient City of the Dead. Visit the legendary Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, including King Tutankhamun. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece dramatically set against limestone cliffs.
Conclude your tour with a stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that have guarded the Theban necropolis for over 3,000 years. After the tour, travel by private vehicle to Hurghada. Relax by the Red Sea.
Overnight: Hurghada
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hurghada. Take advantage of the resort's facilities or join optional activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or a boat trip to nearby islands, to explore the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Overnight: Hurghada | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Another relaxing day in Hurghada. You may choose to unwind at the resort or participate in optional excursions, including a desert safari by quad bike or jeep, or a glass-bottom boat cruise.
Overnight: Hurghada | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a final full day at leisure in Hurghada. Spend your time swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the resort’s amenities before preparing for your return to Cairo.
Overnight: Hurghada | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Hurghada Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.
Optional Tour:
- Explore Old Cairo, including the Hanging Church, Church of Abu Serga, and Coptic Museum.
- Continue to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) to discover Egypt’s rich heritage, including the Royal Mummies Hall and other key artifacts.
Overnight: Cairo | Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Cairo with the option to join a guided tour of Islamic Cairo.
Optional Tour:
- Visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (Alabaster Mosque).
- Explore Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa’i Mosque, two remarkable Mamluk-era monuments.
- End at the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, with free time for shopping or relaxing at a historic café.
Overnight: Cairo | Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight.
Tour Include
3 Nights in Cairo – Bed & Breakfast
1 Night Sleeper Train – Cairo to Aswan (Half Board)
1 Night in Aswan – Bed & Breakfast
3 Nights Nile Cruise – Full Board (drinks not included)
4 Nights in Hurghada – Bed & Breakfast
Domestic flight from Hurghada to Cairo
Airport pickup in Cairo
Airport transfer (Cairo – Hurghada)
Transportation to all sights mentioned in the itinerary
Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Tour Excludes
International flights to and from Egypt
Egypt entry visa
Travel insurance
Entrance fees to sites
Drinks on the Nile Cruise
Optional tours & personal expenses
Tipping
