Aswan to Cairo post-cruise stay with Alexandria, 2 nights
Intercity transfer from Aswan to Cairo, two nights' hotel, full-day guided tour of Alexandria and a short Cairo orientation, licensed Egyptologist available on request
At a glance
- Length
- 3 days · 2 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Aswan to Cairo post-cruise stay with Alexandria is a three-day land tour covering Aswan, Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Groups·
- Couples·
- Solo traveller
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- A 3-day, 2-night stay
- Travel style
- Guided tour, privately or in a small group
- Accommodation
- Hotel stay included
- Operated by
- Explore Egypt Tours
- Destinations
- Aswan · Cairo · Alexandria
- Includes
- Two nights' hotel accommodation · Aswan to Cairo transfer by selected flight or overnight train · Greeting and assistance · Full-day guided visit to Alexandria · Entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary · English-speaking Egyptologist for included guided activities · Cairo and Alexandria transfers as listed in the itinerary
- Best for
- Post-cruise travellers · History enthusiasts · First-time visitors · Couples · Small groups
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
October to April, when Cairo daytime highs are typically 18–28°C and Alexandria 17–24°C, making sightseeing more comfortable. Summer months can be very hot, and Ramadan or major public holidays may change opening hours and traffic timings.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Local English-speaking Egyptologist guiding is included for the scheduled sightseeing
- Transfers and hotel arrangements are coordinated on the ground in Egypt
- The itinerary is designed for post-cruise travel with airport, station and hotel logistics handled in advance
02Overview
A first look
At dawn the Aswan quayside carries the smell of Nile silt and diesel, feluccas leaning at their moorings while morning light hits the granite banks. That quietness is a useful contrast to the bustle you will meet in Cairo the following day.
A coastal day in Alexandria pairs sea air on the Corniche with cool stone in Kom El Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca's halls. We do not run group bus tours; our Egyptologists lead small guided visits on request, and we time the Aswan to Cairo transfer to link with your cruise disembarkation so your Egyptologist can meet you on arrival.
Background
The facts
This is a 3-day land tour that connects Aswan, Cairo and Alexandria, with intercity transport arranged around cruise disembarkation and onward travel. Discovery Tours Egypt organises the transfers, guiding and hotel arrangements on the ground in Egypt.
The main sightseeing day is in Alexandria, about 220 km northwest of Cairo on the Mediterranean coast. Typical visits on this route include the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. A Cairo orientation is included on arrival, with time to visit the Egyptian Museum independently or with a guide.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a Roman-era burial complex discovered in 1900. Qaitbay Citadel dates to the 15th century and stands on the site traditionally associated with the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in 2002 as a modern cultural library. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square remains one of Cairo’s principal archaeological museums.
Practical details depend on the selected intercity sector, domestic flight or overnight train, and the booked hotel. The itinerary is designed for travellers finishing a Nile cruise and continuing overland, with hotel nights included and guided sightseeing limited to the stated programme.
Named in this entry
Aswan·Cairo·Alexandria·Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa·Qaitbay Citadel·Bibliotheca Alexandrina·Egyptian Museum·Tahrir Square·Lighthouse of Alexandria·Mediterranean coast
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Travellers who finish a Nile cruise in Aswan and want a short, organised land extension to Cairo and Alexandria. History-focused adults, couples or small private groups who prefer transfers, hotels and guided sightseeing arranged in advance by a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travellers requiring step-free access or long layovers between transport sectors, since some sites have steps and limited lift access. Families with children under six should consider a longer, slower-paced extension instead.
What lingers
- 01Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground burial complex in Alexandria.
- 02Visit Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of Alexandria's ancient Pharos lighthouse.
- 03See the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern library and cultural centre in Alexandria.
- 04Take a full-day guided visit to Alexandria with an English-speaking Egyptologist.
- 05Choose a scheduled domestic flight or overnight train for the Aswan to Cairo journey.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Full-day guided visit to Alexandria with named sites included
- Flexible intercity transfer by scheduled flight or overnight train
- Licensed Egyptologists available for private or small-group guiding
- Two nights' hotel accommodation arranged after cruise disembarkation
- Short Cairo orientation with optional Egyptian Museum guidance
Things to Consider
- Long intercity transfer time when using surface travel between Aswan and Cairo
- Some Alexandria sites have steep steps and uneven surfaces
- Sightseeing day in Alexandria can be a full, active day
- Hotel location chosen after cruise may be 3.5 km or more from city centres
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most operators sell this as a simple transfer with one hotel night. We add two nights and a full Alexandria sightseeing day. Most group tours ignore cruise timings. We coordinate the route around your disembarkation and onward travel. Most land-only extensions stop at Cairo. We continue to Alexandria, with private or small-group guiding available on request.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 3-day, 2-night stay · Aswan · Cairo · Alexandria
- 1
- 2
- 3
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation.
| Comfort level | Where you stay | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Cairo Kemet Pyramids View Hotel · Cosmopolitan Hotel Cairo | October – April: from £341 | May – September: from £313 |
| Comfort | Cairo Jewel Sport City | October – April: from £362 | May – September: from £352 |
| Classic | Cairo Sonesta Hotel Tower & Casino – Cairo · Swiss Inn Pyramids Golf Resort | October – April: from £400 | May – September: from £361 |
| Prestige | Cairo Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids · Hilton Cairo Grand Nile | October – April: from £496 | May – September: from £496 |
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality. Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Bundled in
- Domestic flights
- Sleeper train
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Two nights' hotel accommodation, room category as booked
- Transfer between Aswan and Cairo on a scheduled domestic flight or overnight train, with meet-and-assist service included
- Full-day guided visit to Alexandria, with entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking Egyptologist for the guided activities specified in the itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers in Cairo and Alexandria, as set out in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights to or from Egypt
- Optional extras such as entry to the Khufu or Khafre pyramid interiors and premium tombs unless specifically requested
- Meals and drinks unless stated in the booking confirmation
- Tips, personal expenses and gratuities
- Visa fees for entry to Egypt
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for Alexandria departures early in the day, before coastal traffic builds.
- 02
The sea-facing areas around Qaitbay Citadel are brightest in late afternoon.
- 03
If you want the Egyptian Museum, allow extra time in Cairo on arrival day.
- 04
Winter sun dates are popular, so book transport before hotel choice changes.
- 05
Overnight train suits travellers who want fewer airport connections, but it is a longer journey.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Can be arranged as private or small-group touring with a licensed Egyptologist on request. We can add a guided Egyptian Museum visit, upgrade hotel category, or extend with extra nights in Cairo or Alexandria to break up transfers.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
Best as a 2-night bridge between an Aswan Nile cruise and onward time in Cairo. It works well if you want one guided day in Alexandria, then a short Cairo stay before a flight home or a return to Luxor.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary requires moderate mobility, with uneven pavements, cobbles and short flights of steps at sites such as the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel. Transfers are by saloon car or minibus; if you choose the train or a domestic flight, expect stepped access at platforms and aircraft stairs. Wheelchair users can be assisted into vehicles and at hotels, but many archaeological areas have no ramps and some museum floors have steps. Tell us at booking if you use a mobility scooter or require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle so we can assess feasibility and arrange additional assistance. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and will name your meet-and-assist representative on confirmation, but full independent access at all sites cannot be guaranteed because of historic terrain and security screening.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a copy
- Booking confirmation and travel details
- Comfortable shoes for walking, with a firm grip
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Light day bag and phone charger
- Small amount of Egyptian pounds for personal spending and tips
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm weather
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for religious sites
- A light layer for air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings
Children & families
Minimum age for this programme is 5 years when accompanied by an adult. Child fares apply for children sharing a room with two adults; single-child room supplements follow the hotel supplier's rules. Strollers are practical in modern hotel lobbies and museum galleries in Cairo and Alexandria, but they are not suitable in narrow archaeological passages such as parts of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. If you need a high chair or other baby equipment, tell us at booking so we can confirm availability with the hotel or supplier.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Aswan International Airport, Arrivals HallMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa5 km
- Qaitbay Citadel4 km
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina2 km
- Egyptian Museum, Cairo18 min walk
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Timed to follow cruise disembarkation
02
Alexandria day with licensed Egyptologists
03
Two-night bridge from Aswan to Cairo
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transfers use air-conditioned saloon cars and minibuses operated by Egyptian-owned transport companies, and where requested we book scheduled domestic flights or overnight intercity trains. We contract local, English-speaking Egyptologists and drivers per visit so fees support individual livelihoods. Where possible we favour hotels that employ local staff and source food from nearby suppliers; tell us if you want supplier names and we will share them. We encourage practical measures you can take: bring a refill water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and leave archaeological materials in situ. Entrance fees are paid to site authorities; those payments and guide fees benefit the local economy directly.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
·In summary
This 3-day post-cruise programme includes two nights of hotel accommodation and a full-day guided visit to Alexandria. The route covers the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, with a Cairo orientation on arrival. Intercity transfer from Aswan to Cairo is arranged by domestic flight or overnight train, depending on selection.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Aswan to Cairo post-cruise stay with Alexandria?
The itinerary lasts three days and includes two hotel nights. It begins in Aswan and ends in Cairo, with a full day in Alexandria. The pace combines intercity travel with a substantial sightseeing day, so it is worth allowing time to rest after your cruise before continuing your onward journey.02How do transfers work after my cruise in Aswan?
We arrange the transfer from Aswan to Cairo by scheduled domestic flight or overnight train, according to your selection. Meet and assist and the transfers listed in your itinerary are included. We do not run group bus tours; tell us your cruise disembarkation details and onward flight times so we can check the arrangements.03What is included in this two-night stay?
The booking includes two hotel nights in the room category selected, the chosen Aswan to Cairo transfer, and the transfers listed in the itinerary. It also includes a guided Alexandria visit with the entrance fees specified in your itinerary and an English-speaking Egyptologist for the guided activities listed there. Check your confirmation for the final arrangements.04What is not included in the tour price?
International flights, Egyptian visa fees, tips, gratuities and personal spending are not included. Meals and drinks are excluded unless your booking confirmation says otherwise. Entry to the interiors of Khufu or Khafre and premium tombs is also extra unless specifically requested, so check before travel if you want to add these visits.05How much walking is involved, and is the tour accessible?
Alexandria sightseeing involves walking, and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa have stairs and uneven surfaces. Qaitbay Citadel also involves walking around an historic site. These conditions may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility; contact us before booking with your needs so we can discuss what can be adjusted.06Can children join this Aswan to Cairo and Alexandria tour?
Children can travel on this itinerary, but the Alexandria sightseeing day includes several historic sites and walking. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa have stairs, which may not suit every child or buggy. Share the children’s ages when enquiring so we can discuss the pace and suitable arrangements.07What should I wear and bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and light clothing suited to the forecast. Sun and heat can be strong, particularly during outdoor sightseeing. Choose modest clothing for any temple or mosque visit added to your plans; shoulders and knees should be covered. Keep any travel documents needed for transfers close at hand.08Can I take photographs at the sites in Alexandria?
Photography rules vary by site and may change, so ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures indoors. Outdoor photography is generally allowed, but some museum galleries or archaeological interiors may restrict it or require a separate ticket. Follow signs and staff instructions, particularly at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.09When is the best time to take this post-cruise trip?
The cooler months from October to April are generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Aswan, Cairo and Alexandria. Summer, from May to September, can bring high temperatures, especially inland. For winter sun, plan outdoor visits earlier in the day where possible and carry water; Alexandria’s coastal setting can feel cooler than Cairo.10Which places are covered on the Alexandria sightseeing day?
The Alexandria visit includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The route brings together Roman-era remains, the 15th-century coastal citadel and a modern library. The specific order and time spent at each stop can depend on opening arrangements and the final itinerary.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Last updated 27 July 2026Product ID: TOU-ASW-323544
You Might Also Like
3 Days
2 Nights in Cairo Before Your Nile Cruise: Pyramids and Sphinx Stopover
Use Cairo as a two-night stop before continuing to a Nile cruise, with sightseeing at the Giza Plateau and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Great Pyramid of Khufu was built during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty, around 2560 BC, and is the largest of the three main pyramids at Giza. The Sphinx is a limestone monument near the Pyramid of Khafre. We arrange the Cairo accommodation, sightseeing and related transfers as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; cruise arrangements are separate unless confirmed. Unlike a brief airport visit, this stopover allows time for a fuller Giza visit. Expect uneven stone underfoot and limited shade at the plateau. Entry to pyramid interiors is not included.
From £316
Cairo3 Days
3-Day Cairo: Giza, Egyptian Museum & Historic Cairo
A three-day private Cairo itinerary visiting the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo with private transport and an English-speaking Egyptologist. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we don't run group-bus tours; all site visits and transfers are private. Day one focuses on the Giza Plateau (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure) with a sunrise or early-morning option to avoid crowds. Day two covers the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir area; day three visits Coptic and Islamic Cairo including the Citadel and Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Unlike cruise-ship day trips, two nights in Cairo let you schedule Giza at dawn and a calmer afternoon for the Museum. Standard site fees are included; the Khufu pyramid interior, premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) and gratuities are excluded. Expect early starts, busy sites and limited shade at Giza; modest dress is required for mosques.
From £245
Cairo4 Days
4 Days Cairo Tour Package
Spend four days exploring Cairo, from the Giza Plateau to the city’s historic quarters. The itinerary includes visits to the Egyptian Pyramids and Cairo’s Old Attractions, with an Egyptologist guide accompanying you throughout. Three nights’ accommodation at a five-star Cairo hotel, private air-conditioned transfers and entrance fees to the itinerary sites are included. Meals cover three breakfasts, two lunches and a dinner cruise on the Nile. Unlike a short stopover visit, this package allows time for both the Giza monuments and Cairo sightseeing. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arranges the guiding, transport and accommodation with local suppliers.
From £543