9-Day UNESCO Egypt Tour: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise
Good to know
- Duration 9 days
- Group size Up to 10
- Languages English, France, Germany, Italy
- Departs Everyday
- Start times 8:00 am
- Meeting point Cairo
Overview
Experience the best of Egypt with our 9-Day UNESCO Egypt Tour: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise, a complete Egypt vacation package combining ancient wonders, Mediterranean history, and an unforgettable journey along the Nile River. Explore the legendary Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx, and Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo before enjoying an Alexandria day tour to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Continue to Upper Egypt for a relaxing Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruise featuring Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Perfect for travelers searching for the best Egypt tour packages, Cairo and Nile cruise packages, Alexandria tours, guided Egypt tours, and private Egypt vacations, this carefully planned Book Egypt Travel itinerary combines expert guidance, comfortable accommodation, organized transfers, and remarkable cultural experiences.
Highlights
- Giza Pyramids Complex
- The Great Sphinx
- The Grand Egyptian Museum
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Qaitbay Citadel
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Philae Temple
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Edfu Temple
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple
- Colossi of Memnon
- Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruise
What’s included
Included
- 4 nights accommodation at a 5* hotel in Cairo based on bed & breakfast.
- 4 Nights Cruise based on full-board.
- Domestic flight tickets from Cairo to Luxor.
- Domestic flight tickets from Aswan to Cairo.
- Meet and assist you upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport.
- Meals as mentioned on each day tour of your itinerary
- A professional tour guide will be with you during the whole of your tour.
- All transfers will be in a modern A.C. vehicle.
- Tour price includes all services, charges, and taxes.
Not included
- International flight tickets.
- Tipping.
- Personal expenses.
- Anything not included in your tour itinerary.
- Any optional tours.
Day by day
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01 Day 1 :Arrival To Egypt & Sound and Light Show
Your epic tour of Cairo begins upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, where our professional representative will greet you, assist with all airport formalities and luggage handling, and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Sound & Light Show In Giza
The Sound and Light Show in Giza is one of the most iconic evening experiences offered at several ancient Egyptian sites. It combines dramatic lighting, music, and narration to tell the story of Egypt’s pharaohs, temples, and mythology. Here’s a quick overview, especially relevant if you’re offering or planning to include it in your Egypt Sightseeing
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02 Day 2: Visit Giza Pyramids and Gem Museum
You will have your breakfast, and then your private tour guide will escort you to the magnificent Culture constructions that shed some light on one of the greatest aspects of mankind such as:
Giza Pyramids Complex
The Great Pyramid of Giza, built by King Khufu around 2580 BC, is over 4,500 years old and was the tallest man-made structure for nearly 4,000 years. Made of about 2.3 million limestone blocks, it remains a marvel of ancient engineering and mystery.
The Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2580 BC, is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Standing 147 meters tall and made of 2.3 million limestone blocks, it remained the tallest structure for nearly 3,800 years. Its scale and design continue to amaze and inspire awe.
The Valley Temple
This well-preserved ancient monument, built from limestone and granite, was the site of Egypt’s Old Kingdom mummification process. It also houses impressive diorite statues of King Khafre, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
The Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza, the oldest known statue, depicts a lion’s body with a human head—believed to represent King Khafre. Measuring 73 meters long, it symbolizes strength and wisdom and remains shrouded in mystery.
Lunch Time
You will have your lunch, then head with your tour guide to:
The Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum is a world-class cultural landmark that showcases over 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. It features iconic artifacts such as the Hanging Obelisk, the colossal statue of Ramses II, statues of King Senusert, the Grand Staircase, and the Victory Column of Merneptah. Combining vast collections with impressive modern architecture, the museum offers visitors an immersive and unforgettable experience into Egypt’s rich heritage and legacy.
Overnight
You will return to your Cairo hotel overnight.
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03 Day 3: Fly to Luxor & Check-in the Nile Cruise
Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the airport to be able to catch your flight to Luxor. Once you arrive there, your will meet your tour guide from Upper Egypt who will join you during the whole of your Nile Cruise tour. You will start your experience with a visit to some of the best landmarks of the east bank including:
Karnak Temple Complex
Located in Luxor, the Karnak Temple Complex spans over 2,000 years of construction. It features grand sites like the Precinct of Amun-Re and Hypostyle Hall, symbolizing ancient Egypt’s religious devotion and architectural brilliance..
You will then transfer to your Nile Cruise to check, have your lunch, and relax before heading to:
Luxor Temple By Night
Built around 1400 BC, Luxor Temple honors the renewal of kingship and was central to the Opet Festival. Expanded by famous pharaohs, its grand statues and night illuminations showcase Egypt’s spiritual and architectural heritage.
In the evening, you will enjoy a sumptuous dinner aboard your Nile cruise while drifting into a serene overnight journey
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04 Day 4: Visit The Valley of the King & Hatshepsut Temple+Sail to Edfu
You will be awakened to a delightful breakfast aboard the Nile Cruise, preparing for an enchanting sojourn to Luxor’s west bank. Your guide leads the way to iconic landmarks:
The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings holds 65 royal tombs from Egypt’s New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun’s. Carved into rock and richly decorated, these tombs reveal ancient beliefs about the afterlife and Egypt’s artistic heritage.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Carved into Deir El Bahari cliffs, the Temple of Hatshepsut honors one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Built between 1473–1458 BC, its terraces and symmetry symbolize divine devotion and her lasting legacy.
The Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two 18-meter-tall statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, built around 1350 BC to guard his temple. Later linked to the Greek hero Memnon, they symbolize Egypt’s royal grandeur and legacy.
Wrap up your exploration of the West Bank and return to your Nile Cruise to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard, surrounded by the calm beauty of the Nile. As the cruise sets sail toward Edfu, unwind and take in the scenic river views, ending the day with a peaceful and comfortable overnight stay onboard.
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05 Day 5:Edfu Temple & Kom Temple
You will begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast during your enchanting Christmas exploration. You will then join your knowledgeable guide to:
Edfu Temple
Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, Edfu Temple is one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it features grand columns and detailed reliefs depicting Horus’s victory over Set, offering a vivid look into ancient Egyptian religion and architecture..
You will return to your Nile Cruise for a delightful lunch as the ship glides towards Kom Ombo:
Kom Ombo Temple
Built in the Ptolemaic period, Kom Ombo is a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Known for its symmetrical design, ancient surgical carvings, and a museum of mummified crocodiles, it offers insight into Egyptian religion and daily life
As the day concludes, your cruise continues its graceful path towards Aswan. Arriving under the veil of nightfall, embrace a dinner cruise, resting overnight aboard the serene waters of Aswan.
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06 Day 6:Abu Simbel Temples
After breakfast you will meet our tour guide to start your tour to Abu simbel
Abu Simbel Complex
Built by King Ramses II between 1264–1244 BC, the Abu Simbel temples honor his legacy, victory at Kadesh, and gods like Amun Ra. They stand as stunning symbols of ancient Egyptian power and devotion
Conclude your unforgettable Christmas journey by returning to your luxurious 5-star Nile Cruise, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner while soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the Nile River. As the day comes to a gentle close, relax and reflect on the incredible memories made, surrounded by timeless beauty, and get ready for your departure the next morning.
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07 Day 7: Departure the Nile Cruise & Visit Aswan Highlights
You will begin your day by having your breakfast onboard and Get ready to Check-out the Nile Cruise and will Prepare for a day brimming with wonders, guided by your exceptional tour guide in Aswan, revealing its most breathtaking highlights:
Philae Temple
Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, was built during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Famous for its elegant reliefs, it was relocated to Agilkia Island to protect it from flooding. It stands today as a symbol of ancient faith and preservation.
The Unfinished Obelisk
The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, abandoned due to a crack, was intended to be the largest ever at 42 meters and over 1,000 tons. It reveals the craftsmanship and methods of ancient Egyptian stoneworkers.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, controls Nile floods, generates power, and creates Lake Nasser. It advanced Egypt’s development but required relocating ancient sites like Abu Simbel.
The driver will take you away in a private air-conditioned vehicle to Aswan Airport, where your direct flight to Cairo awaits. Upon arrival, our representative will take you to your hotel in Cairo
Overnight
As the sun sets on this mesmerizing Christmas tour, our driver will escort you to your Cairo hotel for check-in, where the night unfolds, wrapping you in the embrace of comfort and tranquility
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08 Day 8: Alexandria Day to Visit The Mediterranean Sea
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Dating to the 2nd century AD, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria blend Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. This underground tomb complex features a spiral staircase, burial chambers, and ornate statues.
Pompey’s Pillar
Pompey’s Pillar in Alexandria, built in 297 AD, is a 26-meter-high red granite column honoring Emperor Diocletian. It’s the largest Roman triumphal column outside Rome and symbolizes Alexandria’s Greco-Roman heritage.
Qaitbay Citadel
Built in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay on Alexandria’s coast, the citadel stands on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. It served as a naval defense fortress and showcases impressive Islamic military architecture with stunning sea views.
Lunch Time
Then, you will be transferred to a local restaurant to enjoy your lunch and then head to visit:
The Alexandria Library (Bibliotheca Alexandrina)
Opened in 2002, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its striking design, shaped like a tilted disc, symbolizes the rising sun of knowledge.
Overnight At the end of your day tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to spend the night and to get ready for your departure flight the following day.
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09 Day 9: Check-out your hotel & Departure Home
In the morning, you will receive your breakfast meal and then, you will check-out your hotel. We will transfer you to Cairo International airport to catch your flight back home after finishing your 9-Day UNESCO Egypt Tour in Egypt with us.
Availability
This tour departs on the following days. Send us your preferred date and we will confirm availability for you.
- Everyday
Room & Cabin Occupancy and Single Supplement
- All tour prices are based on two guests sharing a twin or double room/cabin, unless otherwise stated.
- Guests requesting a private room or private cabin will be required to pay a single supplement.
- For Nile cruises, the single-cabin supplement is normally an additional 70% of the per-person twin-sharing rate.
- Hotel single-room supplements vary depending on the hotel, travel dates, availability, and season.
- Single rooms and cabins are subject to availability and final confirmation.
- The exact single supplement will be clearly stated in your quotation and booking confirmation.
- If one traveler cancels and the remaining guest occupies the room or cabin alone, the applicable single supplement may be added to the booking.
By confirming your booking, you acknowledge and accept the applicable room/cabin occupancy and single-supplement conditions.
Read the full Booking, Payment & Cancellation PolicySingle supplements may vary by supplier and are always confirmed before payment.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Best Time for a Nile River Cruise in Egypt?
The best time to enjoy a Nile River Cruise in Egypt is between late October and mid-April, when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for sightseeing. This period offers the most comfortable climate for exploring ancient temples and cruising along the Nile without the intense summer heat. However, keep in mind that Christmas and Easter are considered peak seasons, with higher prices and increased demand. To enjoy a magical and affordable Nile cruise experience, it's best to plan around these holidays—and with our tailored packages, you’ll always get the best value, no matter the season.
What Are the Best Prices for a Nile River Cruise in Egypt?
Sailing the Nile River is one of Egypt’s most unforgettable travel experiences, and there are a variety of Nile cruise options to suit every budget. The most popular and recommended categories are 5-star and 5-star High Deluxe Nile cruises, offering luxurious comfort, guided tours, and top-tier amenities. Prices vary depending on the cruise type, facilities, and travel season—especially during peak times like Christmas and Easter when rates are higher. For the best Nile River cruise prices and exclusive deals, explore our handpicked packages tailored to give you the perfect balance of quality and value.
What Are the Types of Egypt’s Nile River Cruises?
There are two main types of Nile River cruises in Egypt to choose from, depending on your travel style and preferences. The first is the private Dahabiya Nile cruise, a traditional sailboat offering an intimate experience with around 8 to 10 luxurious cabins, ideal for small groups or couples seeking privacy and elegance. The second and more common option is the standard large Nile cruise ship, which typically features 100 to 150 cabins, modern amenities, entertainment, and guided excursions. Both options provide unforgettable journeys along the Nile, with comfort and cultural discovery at their core.
What Are the Facilities on a Nile River Cruise?
A luxury Nile River cruise in Egypt is essentially a fully equipped floating hotel, offering all the comfort and amenities you would expect from a 5-star resort. Onboard facilities typically include a sun deck with panoramic views, an indoor swimming pool, spa and beauty center, restaurant, lounge bar, discotheque, and even gift shops. Guests can also enjoy services like laundry, a safe deposit box, and a variety of entertainment options, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey as you cruise between Egypt’s most iconic ancient landmarks.
What Are the Top Attractions to Visit on a Nile River Cruise?
A Nile River cruise between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) offers travelers the chance to explore some of Egypt’s most iconic ancient attractions. Highlights include the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the elegant Temple of Hatshepsut, and the well-preserved Temple of Edfu dedicated to Horus. You’ll also visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, the enchanting Philae Temple of Isis, and the impressive Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. These landmarks reflect Egypt’s glorious past and make a Nile cruise a truly unforgettable journey through history.
What Are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?
Egypt offers an incredible variety of activities for every traveler. One of the top experiences is sailing on a Nile River Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, exploring ancient temples along the way. For breathtaking views, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Luxor or scenic aerial tours by plane. Dive into Egypt’s rich flavors by sampling authentic Egyptian cuisine and shopping in the bustling streets of Old Cairo. For adventure lovers, snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea—especially in resorts like Hurghada—offer a glimpse into vibrant marine life. Don’t miss the chance to embark on a desert safari in the Western Desert, where you can experience the magic of Egypt’s landscapes under star-filled skies.
What Are Egypt’s Festivals and Public Holidays?
Egypt celebrates a variety of public holidays and festivals, both religious and national. Among the most significant are the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims, which ends with the joyful celebration of Eid Al-Fitr. Other major holidays include Eid Al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and Mawlid Al-Nabi (the Prophet’s birthday). On the national and cultural side, Christmas (January 7), New Year’s Eve, Revolution Day (July 23), and Sinai Liberation Day (April 25) are widely observed. These festivals offer visitors a rich cultural experience and a deeper look into Egypt’s heritage.
Is it safe to go on a tour in Egypt right now?
Egypt offers a wide range of tours to suit every travel style, interest, and budget. Some of the most popular options include a 6-day tour covering Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel; an 8-day package that explores Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and Hurghada; a 9-day journey combining Cairo, a Nile Cruise, and Alexandria; and a 10-day tour featuring Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada. Whether you're drawn to ancient history, cultural landmarks, or relaxing by the Red Sea, there's a tour perfectly tailored for you.
How Much a trip to Egypt costs?
Tour prices in Egypt vary based on length, comfort, and inclusions. Budget tours start around $600–$900 USD for a week, mid-range packages range from $1,000–$1,800, and luxury tours can exceed $2,000 USD. Prices usually include hotels, guided tours, and domestic transport, but not international flights.
What are the visa requirements for Egypt?
To visit Egypt, most travelers require a visa. Citizens from over 180 countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, and EU nations, can apply for a 30-day tourist visa. This can be obtained either online via Egypt’s official eVisa portal or on arrival at Egyptian airports for a fee of approximately $25 USD. However, travelers heading to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba resorts can enter visa-free for up to 15 days, here’s the www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
How long should my passport be valid to travel to Egypt?
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date in Egypt.
What do I need to pack for my tour to Egypt?
You will need to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, a scarf or shawl (for sun and temple visits), and a basic first aid kit. Don’t forget your passport, travel documents, and any personal medications.
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months from October to April, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Avoid the peak summer months (June to August) as it can get extremely hot, especially in desert and southern regions.
How is the summer time weather in Egypt?
Summer in Egypt (June to August) is very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), especially in desert areas and southern cities like Luxor and Aswan. Coastal areas like Alexandria and the Red Sea are a bit cooler with sea breezes.
What about Winter Time in Egypt?
Winter in Egypt (December to February) is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Nights can be cool, especially in the desert, so light jackets are recommended. It's a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the best advice for a solo traveler visiting Egypt?
For solo travelers in Egypt, stick to group tours, avoid going out alone at night, dress modestly, use trusted transport, and keep your belongings secure. Stay aware, stay connected, and respect local customs for a safe and enjoyable trip.
What is the best advice to a family with kids visiting Egypt?
For families with kids visiting Egypt, it’s best to choose family-friendly tours with shorter travel times, plenty of breaks, and activities suitable for children. Stay in comfortable accommodations, keep hydrated, protect from the sun, planning ahead and pacing the itinerary will ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone.
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