4 nightsClassic Egypt in 8 days: Cairo, the Nile and Abu Simbel
Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, a Nile cruise and Luxor
- 8 days
- Classic
- Small group
- Guide in Spanish · English
- Updated Oct 2026
Overview
This route covers, in eight days, the places most people want to see on a first trip to Egypt. You start in Cairo with the Giza pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then fly south to Aswan to board your Nile boat.
From Aswan you drive to Abu Simbel, about 280 km to the south, to see the two rock-cut temples of Ramesses II. Back on board, the boat sails downriver with stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu before reaching Luxor.
In Luxor you visit Karnak and Luxor Temple on the east bank, and the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Hatshepsut on the west bank. A domestic flight then takes you back to Cairo for your trip home.
Highlights
- Guided visit to the Giza pyramids and the Sphinx
- Time at the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Road trip to the temples of Abu Simbel
- Four-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- Kom Ombo and Edfu temples along the way
- Karnak and Luxor Temple on the east bank
- Valley of the Kings and the temple of Hatshepsut
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Cairo
We meet you at Cairo airport and drive you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after the flight. In the evening you receive your trip documents and the plan for the next day.
Cairo and GizaCairo · 5★ hotel (pending)
Day 2Giza pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum
In the morning you visit the Giza plateau, with the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Sphinx. After lunch you explore the Grand Egyptian Museum next to the plateau. Back at the hotel by mid-afternoon.
Cairo and GizaBreakfast · LunchCairo · 5★ hotel (pending)
Day 3Fly to Aswan and board the boat
Transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Aswan; flight times depend on the airline [verify]. On arrival you board the boat, and in the afternoon you visit the temple of Philae on its island. Dinner and overnight on board, moored in Aswan.
AswanBreakfast · Lunch · DinnerNile cruise · 5★ ship (name pending)
Day 4Day trip to Abu Simbel
An early start by road to Abu Simbel, about 280 km south of Aswan. You visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the temple of Nefertari, both facing Lake Nasser. Back on board in the early afternoon, with free time on deck.
Abu Simbel · AswanBreakfast · Lunch · DinnerNile cruise · 5★ ship (name pending)
Day 5Sail to Kom Ombo
The boat heads north past palm groves and farmland. In the afternoon you go ashore at Kom Ombo to see the riverside temple of Sobek and Haroeris. The boat sails on towards Edfu overnight.
AswanBreakfast · Lunch · DinnerNile cruise · 5★ ship (name pending)
Day 6Edfu and on to Luxor
Early in the morning you visit the temple of Horus at Edfu, with its walls and roofs still largely intact. The boat continues to Luxor, where you spend the afternoon at Karnak and Luxor Temple on the east bank. Last night on board.
LuxorBreakfast · Lunch · DinnerNile cruise · 5★ ship (name pending)
Day 7Luxor's west bank and fly to Cairo
You leave the boat and cross to the west bank for the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon you take a domestic flight to Cairo [verify flight times]. Transfer to your hotel.
Luxor · Cairo and GizaBreakfastCairo · 5★ hotel (pending)
Day 8Departure
Breakfast and free time depending on your flight. We drive you to Cairo airport for your international flight home.
Cairo and GizaBreakfast
Included / Not included
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers in Cairo
- 3 nights in a 5★ hotel in Cairo with breakfast
- 4 nights on a Nile cruise, full board
- Domestic flights Cairo–Aswan and Luxor–Cairo
- Spanish- or English-speaking guide for the listed visits
- Entrance fees to the sites named in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Egypt entry visa [verify requirements and fee]
- Tips for guides, crew and drivers
- Drinks and meals not listed
- Travel insurance
- Optional tickets, such as inside the Great Pyramid
Prices and notes
- Price from
- $1,390 · per person in a double room
From price per person sharing a double room or cabin in mid season. The final price depends on your dates and the type of accommodation you choose.
Practical information
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group
- Small group · 2 to 16 people
- Guide in
- Spanish · English
- Departure days
- Friday, Saturday
- Season
- Runs all year. October to April is milder in the south; in summer the visits start early to avoid the midday heat.
What to bring
- Passport valid for at least six months [verify]
- Comfortable shoes for sand and stone
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- A light layer for winter mornings and air conditioning
- Clothes covering shoulders and knees for mosques
Cancellation
[Sample text: cancellation terms pending owner approval.] Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you notify us. [pending]
FAQ
Is there an early start for Abu Simbel?
Yes. The drive from Aswan usually leaves before sunrise because the journey is long. The exact time is confirmed locally [verify].
Can I do this trip privately?
Yes, we can arrange this route as a private trip for your group. The price depends on group size and dates, so we send you a proposal before you book.
What if my international flight lands at night?
The arrival transfer is included at any hour. We only need your flight number and expected arrival time, and we adjust for delays as far as we can.
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