Classic Egypt with Nile Cruise

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Witness Egypt's ancient wonders on this action-packed trip from Cairo to Luxor. Visit some of the world's greatest archaeological sites including the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, before journeying up the River Nile, passing villages and temples along the way. Finish up exploring the gems of the West Bank, including the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings and Habu Temple.

Trip highlights

Ancient historyVisit Egypt's famous pyramids, temples and sphinxes.

River Nile cruiseWatch the sunset over the River Nile on a luxury cruise from Aswan to Luxor.

Egyptian lifePeople watch over coffee in bustling Cairo and wave at the curious children playing in the water on the banks of the Nile.

Itinerary

Itinerary option: 2026

1Day 1Join trip Cairo

Our tour starts today in Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital sitting on the banks of the River Nile. This sprawling metropolis is a jumble of modern buildings, ancient landmarks and maze-like streets, offering the best Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites in Egypt. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Cairo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Cairo International Airport (CAI), which is a 30 to 45-minute drive to the hotel. At 6pm, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting. If you want to, there'll be the chance to go out for dinner afterwards. If you arrive later, our tour leader will catch you up at a later point. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might like to catch your first glimpse of the mighty Nile River, visit the capital's medieval market at Khan el Khalili or cross the river to take a walk down the Nile promenade. Egyptians are warm and welcoming to visitors, so you're sure to get an authentic experience wherever you wander.

Novotel Cairo El Borg (or similar) · Cairo, EgyptComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

2Day 2In Cairo; visit the Pyramids, Sphinx and the spectacular new Grand Egyptian Museum

This morning, we'll make our way to Giza, where we'll see the pyramids and sphinx; among the most impressive man-made spectacles in the world. We'll explore the pyramid complex, which includes the sphinx, a crouching lion with a human head carved from solid rock and the splendid Granite Temple, with a local guide. We'll then head to the spectacular new Egyptian Museum in Giza; a repository of over 100,000 items encompassing all aspects of ancient Egyptian life, including ornate jewellery, caskets and towering granite statues and mummified remains. At the time of writing there are twelve galleries open, inlcuding the remarkable golden treasures of Tutankhamun. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a wonderful destination in itself, its sheer size and beautiful architectural design has deservedly drawn acclaim worldwide. After our tour there is time to have lunch in one of the many restaurants in the museum. Returning to our hotel in the city centre, there will be time to take a stroll to visit the capital's medieval market at Khan el Khalili, have a dip in the pool or relax on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Nile.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Novotel Cairo El Borg (or similar) · Cairo, EgyptComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

3Day 3Free day in Cairo to explore, overnight train to Aswan

This morning there is the opportunity to visit Saqqara, the impressive steppe pyramid/necropolis of Zozer (Djoser), the earliest of the pyramids of Egypt. In the afternoon, you can take a trip to Islamic Cairo to visit the illustrious Citadel, one of Saladin's many strongholds during the Crusades. There will also be the chance to enter one or more of the medieval mosques of Cairo, where there is a requirement to dress modestly with looser fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs. Shorts or sleeveless shirts are not permitted. Please see the Budgeting & packing section for more details. This evening, we'll depart for Aswan on an overnight train. We use the best available sleeper compartments, with two berth cabins, each containing a bench seat which converts into bunk beds. Whilst the service is designated as first class, the standard is not comparable with European first-class train travel. Dinner and breakfast are delivered by the carriage steward directly to you but it's also worth purchasing some snacks before you board.

Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight Train: Cairo to Aswan (or similar) · Cairo, EgyptComfortable · Overnight TrainSingle-room option available

4Day 4In Aswan; tour of the Philae Temple and optional Nubian village dinner

Aswan is Egypt's most southerly city, traditionally regarded as the frontier post of Upper Egypt. Sited on the east bank, it stands just below the First Cataract and is the meeting point of Arab culture with Nubia and black Africa. Today, we'll explore Aswan and the surrounding area. Our early arrival allows us time to take an excursion to the Philae Temple marooned on a picturesque island, having been relocated when the original site was flooded following the completion of the Aswan dam. The temple is adorned with beautifully carved pylons containing some of Egypt's finest carvings. We'll travel to the island and back on a small motorboat. Returning to our hotel around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to relax, use the hotel pool located on the banks of the Nile or undertake some independent sightseeing. The Nubian bazaar a short walk away from our hotel in the centre of Aswan is well worth a visit, the bazaar contains many unusual stalls including perfume shops and a papyrus institute. It's also possible to take an optional tour of the Aswan High Dam completed in 1970 and the unfinished obelisk. This evening there will be the opportunity to take a motorboat journey to a traditional Nubian village for a home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Obelisk Nile Hotel Aswan (or similar) · Aswan, EgyptComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

5Day 5Optional excursion to Abu Simbel, Board cruise boat

Today you might like to take a very early morning trip by bus to the fabulous rock-hewn temple of Abu Simbel. Cut into the rock face, this enormous structure was raised 61 metres/200 feet to save it from floods created by the Aswan High Dam. The 20-metre/65-foot high statues represent Ramses II, known as the great builder. We'll have two hours to explore the famous site before returning to Aswan and boarding our river cruise boat, home for the next three nights. Nile Riverboat cruise On board our cruise, you'll be travelling in style. Typically accommodating around 130 guests, accommodation is in comfortable twin or double en suite cabins with large panoramic windows offering views of life carrying on along the Nile River. The cabins are well appointed with a TV, fridge, air conditioning and WiFi (at an extra cost). The interior also features several large communal areas; the lounge and bar is a great place to socialise with other passengers. There's also a large restaurant, a reading area and several shops on board. There'll be evening entertainment one night of our cruise, plus the top deck has a large seating area with a swimming pool where you can relax with views over the Nile. We'll board just in time for lunch, and then the afternoon is free for you to relax onboard. Alternatively, you could explore Aswan's busy market or perhaps have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel (dress code applies) where Agatha Christie wrote her novel Death on the Nile. This evening's meal is served back onboard.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Nile Riverboat - from Aswan to Luxor (or similar)Comfortable · BoatSingle-room option available

6Day 6Cruise down the Nile River towards Kom Ombo Temple

After breakfast, there is an optional trip on a traditional felucca boat to sail around the Aswan islands including a visit to the Botanical Gardens. We'll return in time for our cruise to begin and start sailing, heading north (downstream) towards Kom Ombo where we'll disembark. Situated on the banks of the river, this temple is particularly unique because it's dedicated to two gods; Haroeris and Sobek, the crocodile god. It's thought that this part of the Nile used to have a large crocodile population, hence the dedication to Sobek. This evening, we'll continue upstream to Edfu city where we'll stay overnight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Nile Riverboat - from Aswan to Luxor (or similar)Comfortable · BoatSingle-room option available

7Day 7Continue to cruise up the Nile towards Luxor

Continuing our cruise towards Luxor today, we'll have a scheduled two-hour stop at the Temple of Edfu after breakfast. The only mode of transport to get from the dock to Edfu Temple (a journey of just over 1 kilometre/0.7 miles) is by locally owned and controlled horse-drawn caleshes. Unfortunately, we've received feedback that the condition and treatment of these horses fall well below the standards set out in our Animal Protection Policy and efforts to support improvements have been unsuccessful. With this in mind, we encourage you to opt out of visiting Edfu Temple so as not to endorse these poor welfare standards. If you wish to visit the temple, please speak to your tour leader who can arrange this for you. After our stop, we'll set sail once again for Luxor, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free so you can wander around the souks and busy streets before dinner. Later this evening, there is the opportunity to experience the sound and light show at Karnak Temple, an incredible display where Karnak and the story of Egypt comes alive, alternatively, it's possible to visit the Luxor Museum or the Luxor Mummification Museum which is open until 9pm.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Nile Riverboat - from Aswan to Luxor (or similar)Comfortable · BoatSingle-room option available

8Day 8Cruise ends in Luxor, visit Karnak Temple

This morning, we'll disembark for the final time and drop our bags at the hotel before visiting the Temple of Amun at Karnak, the labour of numerous pharaohs. Built around 2000 BC, this vast temple was still in progress during Cleopatra's reign during the 1st century BC. After a busy few days, this afternoon is free for you to relax. It's possible to visit the Luxor Museum and the Luxor Mummification Museum if you didn't visit yesterday, both are within walking distance from our hotel. Today, we'll also have the chance to see Luxor from above with an optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Antiquities on the West Bank. If you'd like to opt in, pick up will be from your boat between 0430 and 0500. Please see the Budgeting and packing section for more details.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel (or similar) · Luxor, EgyptComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

9Day 9Explore the West Bank, Habu temple and Valley of the Kings

Arguably Egypt's most well-known site, this morning we'll have an early start to visit the world-famous Valley of the Kings, most famous for being the burial site of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922 by British Egyptology Howard Carter, along with another 62 royal tombs. Our visit includes entrance to three of the tombs which will be decided on the day, as many are periodically closed for resting and renovation to protect them. After the three, there will be an option to pay a supplement to visit Tutankhamun's tomb. Our next stop is the Temple of Hatshepsut. Pharaoh Hatshepsut is believed to be the most successful reigning female power of Egypt, no mean feat during Ancient Egyptian times, and was buried alongside her male counterparts in the Valley of the Kings. Historians throughout modern history offer contrasting information about her reign but walking into the shadow of Hatshepsut's immense temple, which is built into the limestone rock face on Luxor's West Bank, is a key symbol of her achievements. The structure is unexpectedly modern by design and was once linked directly with Karnak Temple on the East Bank. Continuing our exploration of the West Bank, we'll visit the striking Habu temple, one of the less visited sites on the West Bank and very much underrated. The temple complex is dominated by the highly decorated and well-preserved funeral temple of Ramses III depicting scenes of conquests and famous battles. The complex also houses the Temple of Amun, built by Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III. With the backdrop of the village in the foreground and the Theban hills behind it's a fitting end to our morning of visiting some of Egypt's best-preserved ancient sites. We'll enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local family home on the West Bank today, where we'll sample traditional dishes such as okra stew, koshari made with rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas and tagen, a rich and tasty tomato-based dish, all served with freshly baked bread. We'll arrive back at our hotel mid-afternoon with time to relax, take a dip in the hotel pool or enjoy a stroll to the lively markets in Luxor.

Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel (or similar) · Luxor, EgyptComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

10Day 10Trip ends Luxor

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Luxor. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Luxor at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Luxor International Airport (LXR), which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip map

Trip pace

Trip pace: Full On

What's included

Meals

9 breakfasts
4 lunches
4 dinners

Staff

Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Boat Crew

Transport

Train
Bus
Boat

Accommodation

5 nights Comfortable Hotel
1 nights Comfortable Overnight Train
3 nights Comfortable Boat

Where you'll stay

Throughout our tour of Egypt, we stay in comfortable-grade hotels with one night on a comfortable sleeper train and three nights on a comfortable boat. Comfortable-grade accommodation is usually three-star with good amenities such as air-conditioning, WiFi and en-suite rooms. Occasionally hotels will have extra facilities such as a swimming pool or restaurant.

On the overnight train, we travel in first class, two-berth cabins with a bench seat that converts into bunk beds. The carriage steward will set up the bed and provide bed linen and pillows. Each cabin is lockable and has a night light and cupboard with a small sink, shelf, mirror, towel and power socket, plus there is a tabletop that folds into the wall. Dinner and breakfast are delivered by the carriage steward directly to you. Two Western-style toilets are located at the end of each carriage and there is a communal lounge carriage with a bar serving soft drinks. It's worth noting that while we travel first class, the standard isn't comparable to that back home.

Is this the trip for you?

We've graded this tour as full on and we'll be moving at a fast pace. Expect a packed itinerary balanced with free time to relax or explore solo.
Egypt is a wonderfully welcoming destination and the locals are keen to chat to know tourists - come with an open mind and immerse yourself in the region's warm culture.
It can get incredibly hot in Egypt between June and September. We recommend packing light layers and carrying water with you at all times.
Our itinerary includes visits to Egypt's most famous temples and ruins. We recommend comfortable shoes for exploring, as well as a sun hat and sunscreen.
We spend one night aboard a sleeper train during this trip. While we travel in first class, standards aren't comparable with back home. It's a quick and easy way to get from A to B but be prepared for basic facilities.
Egypt observes Ramadan, the Islamic month-long festival of fasting. During this month, some services such as restaurants and cafes might not be available during the day.

Weather

Egypt

Egypt's climate is hot and dry, typical of a desert environment. In summer it can be very hot and remains hot overnight whereas winter days are milder by comparison and temperatures can drop considerably at night. The mildest area is along the Mediterranean coast with temperatures ranging from 23-31°C in summer and 10-17°C in winter. In the desert region temperatures fluctuate in summer dropping as low as 7°C at night and up to 40°C during the day and in winter it can vary from 0°C at night to 18°C in the day. Aswan is one of the hottest cities with Cairo and Alexandria generally slightly cooler. Egypt receives very little rainfall annually and rainfall in summer is very rare.

Single-room arrangements

A single-room option is available for every night of this itinerary. Subject to availability for your departure. A single-room supplement applies.

Budgeting & packing

Budgeting

Optional activities

A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Egyptian adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on this.

All prices are based on a minimum of 4 participants, except for museum entrance tickets and the sound and light show.

Cairo
Day 3: Saqqara and Unas Pyramids $30 USD per person including transportation
Day 3: Half day Islamic Cairo $40 USD per person including transportation

Aswan
Day 4: Dinner in a Nubian Village including return boat journey $ 20 USD per person
Day 4: Aswan High Dam and unfinished obelisk including a guided tour, transportation and boat transfers $ 25 USD per person
Day 6: Felucca cruise $10 USD per person (includes a stop to botanical gardens)

Abu Simbel (Aswan)
Day 5: Excursion from Aswan by bus $ 100 USD per person

Luxor
Day 9: Entry to Tutankhamun's Tomb in the Valley of the Kings 700LE per person (entrance ticket only)
Day 9: Entry to Tomb of Seti I (KV17) in the Valley of the Kings 2000LE per person (entrance ticket only)
Day 8 or 9: Karnak Sound and Light Show $20 USD per person (entrance ticket only, transport not included)
Day 8 or 9: Luxor Museum 475LE per person
Day 8 or 9: Luxor Mummification Museum 220LE per person
Day 8: Hot Air Balloon $ 120.00 USD per person (all year long). Cameras are prohibited in the basket but phones are allowed. Activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee.

Please refer to your trip notes to check which days you will be waking up in Luxor and therefore able to do this excursion. This balloon excursion does not form part of your included Explore holiday package.
We recommend you ask your tour leader to request a representative of the company come to the boat so you can book and pay directly with them.

Please note that all optionals prices are in either US Dollars or in a small number of cases, LE Egyptian Pounds. Prices are subject to change. Payments can be made by card in most cases or by cash.

Tipping guidance

Local crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow £40 per person for group tipping.

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Tour leader

Tour Leader: In Egypt, it is customary to tip the tour leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive. We would recommend allowing £40 per person for this trip as a guideline, but this is at your discretion.

Currency & payment

Egypt

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

We recommend that you bring your money in cash, £GBP, US$ or Euros which are readily changeable.

Where to change: Most major towns - your tour leader will advise you on arrival.

ATMs: You may also bring an ATM card, as these are available in main towns. Please contact your bank prior to travelling to determine if your card will work in Egypt.

Card notes: Credit cards are rarely accepted. Please contact you bank prior to travelling to determine if your card will work in Egypt.

Credit cards accepted: No

Packing

Clothing

Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Muslim towns - loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and sandals are recommended.

Equipment

Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, sunglasses and a small torch for examining wall carvings. You may want to bring wet-wipes and water-free hand sanitiser will be an invaluable addition to your daypack.

Luggage

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

Luggage limit: 20KG

Travel preparation

Water information

Egypt

The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.

Visa and entry information

Egypt: An entry visa is required by all nationalities. UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for the current cost of 30USD. Please note, you must purchase a visa stamp at one of the nearby banks before proceeding to the immigration desk.

Alternatively an online e-visa can be obtained at https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home

Starting from 1 August 2026, travellers arriving at Cairo International Airport can also purchase digital visas on arrival (card payment only) via self-service machines or the Visa on Arrival portal for 36 US dollars, including a 6 US dollar digital service fee. The visa on arrival portal can be found at https://visaonarrival.gov.eg/home/landing

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We have had reports of zoom cameras, camera lenses over 50mm and binoculars being confiscated by the immigration officials in Taba and Cairo and Luxor. Drones are also prohibited. Please make sure you are fully aware of what equipment is permissible to be brought into Egypt. Please also ensure you read the FCO advice if you are travelling with prescribed medication.

Health and vaccination guidance

Egypt

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas in which we travel. Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate if you have travelled from or have transited via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Government travel advice

Egypt

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.

Children's travel documents

Egypt

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.