Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt with our 8-day tour that takes you to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan by train. Explore the breathtaking pyramids of Giza, marvel at the magnificent temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, and soak in the Mediterranean charm of Alexandria. With this tour, you’ll get to experience the best of Egypt’s history, culture, and natural beauty, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and hassle-free travel.
Overview:
This 8-day tour of Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan by train is perfect for those who want to explore the highlights of ancient Egypt without the stress of planning and navigating on their own. With all transportation, accommodations, and guided tours included, you can sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating history and culture. From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the tranquil Nile River, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Egypt’s most famous landmarks and hidden gems.
Highlights:
- Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Explore the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak
- Cruise the Nile River and visit the Valley of the Kings
- Marvel at the Abu Simbel temples in Aswan
- Discover the coastal charm of Alexandria
Advantages:
- Hassle-free travel with all transportation and accommodations included
- Expert local guides to provide insights and historical context
- A comprehensive itinerary that covers the top sites and hidden gems
- Customizable options to suit your needs and preferences
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you’ll be met by our representative who will assist with immigration and customs formalities before transferring you to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your travels.
Day 2: Cairo City Tour After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for a full-day tour of Cairo’s top sites. Start with a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum to see the treasures of King Tutankhamun. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar for some souvenir shopping. Return to your hotel in the evening.
Day 3: Alexandria Day Trip Today, you’ll take a scenic train ride to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city and a beautiful coastal destination. Explore the city’s top sites, including the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Alexandria Library, and the Citadel of Qaitbay. Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant before returning to Cairo in the evening.
Day 4: Cairo to Luxor After breakfast, you’ll check out of your Cairo hotel and transfer to the train station for a scenic ride to Luxor, known as the “world’s greatest open-air museum.” Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Day 5: Luxor City Tour Today, you’ll meet your guide for a full-day tour of Luxor’s ancient temples and tombs. Start with a visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest ancient religious site in the world, and then continue to the Luxor Temple, which was once connected to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes. After lunch, visit the Valley of the Kings to see the tombs of pharaohs including Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. End the day with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon before returning to your hotel.
Day 6: Nile River Cruise to Aswan
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the Nile River port to board your cruise ship to Aswan. Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail down the river, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. Stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo for guided tours before arriving in Aswan in the evening. Check into your hotel for the night.
Day 7: Aswan City Tour Today, you’ll explore the charming city of Aswan and its famous landmarks. Start with a visit to the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and situated on an island in the Nile River. Next, visit the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser, and then take a boat ride to the stunning Abu Simbel temples, known for their impressive statues of Ramses II. Return to your hotel in Aswan for the night.
Day 8: Departure from Aswan After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Aswan Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Aswan or return to Cairo by train.
Inclusions:
- Airport and train station transfers
- Accommodations for 7 nights in 4-star hotels and a Nile River cruise ship
- Daily breakfast and lunch on cruise ship
- Guided tours of Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan with English-speaking Egyptologist guides
- All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
- All transportation by air-conditioned vehicles
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Egypt entry visa fees
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
- Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (recommended but not mandatory)
Pricing:
Accommodation Plan (A) 5 stars:
Cairo:Le Méridien – Steigenberger Pyramids- Ramses Hilton- Helnan – Barcelo Pyramids- Pyramisa
Luxor: Steigenberger Nile.
Nile cruises: MS Emilio, MS Radamis, MS Princess, MS Sara
| 3 Stars | 4 Stars | 5 Stars | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person in DBL or TRPL Room | 1165 $ | 1190 $ | 1340 $ |
| Solo traveler | 1915 $ | 1950 $ | 2020 $ |
| Christmas & Easter – DBL or TRPL Room | 1505 $ | 1530 $ | 1585 $ |
| Christmas & Easter – Solo Traveler | 2340 $ | 2375 $ | 2455 $ |
Accommodation Plan (B) Luxury:
Cairo: Kempinski – Fairmont Cairo – Hilton Curnrad -Marriott Sheraton- Hilton Golf pyramids
Luxor: Hilton – Sonesta St. George.
Nile Cruises: MS Amwaj Nile Cruise, MS Nile Premium, MS Bule shadow, MS Jaz Jubilee, Crown Emperor, Steigenberger.
| All year round | Christmas and Easter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person in dbl room | 1850 $ | 2500 $ |
| Solo traveller | 3000 $ | 3500 $ |
Ultimate Luxury:
Cairo: Four Seasons -Marriott Mena House – Kempinski Nile Deluxe – Fairmont Nile Premium – Hyatt Regency
Luxor: Sofitel Winter Palace.
Nile cruises: Sanctuary Sun Boat – Oberoi Cruises – Movenpick Royal Cruises – Sonesta Cruises – Le Fayan – Ms Farah -MS Acamar
| All year round | Christmas and Easter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person in dbl room | 3150 $ | 3600 $ |
| Solo traveller | 4600 $ | 5300 $ |
Tips and Advice for Travelers:
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as many of the sites are outdoors and require walking.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Be prepared for hot weather, especially in the summer months, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices at markets and bazaars, but always do so respectfully.
- Purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect against unexpected events.
Trip Notes:
- The order of the itinerary may be subject to change based on local conditions and flight/train schedules.
- The train ride from Cairo to Luxor is approximately 10 hours, and the train ride from Aswan to Cairo is approximately 14 hours. Comfortable seats and air conditioning are provided on the trains.
- The Nile River cruise ship may be shared with other travelers, and cabins may vary in size and amenities.
- The Abu Simbel temples are located 280 km south of Aswan and require an early morning departure for a day trip. A flight or private car transfer may be arranged for an additional fee.
FAQs:
Q: Is this tour suitable for children? A: Yes, this tour is suitable for children of all ages. However, please note that some of the sites may require walking and may not be stroller-friendly.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Egypt? A: Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists, and the government takes extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors. However, it is always important to exercise caution and follow local customs and laws.
Q: Can I customize this tour? A: Yes, we offer customizable options to suit the needs and preferences of our travelers. Please contact us for more information.
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Egypt? A: Yes, most visitors to Egypt require a visa.