Egypt Holidays · Style
Cairo and Nile Cruise Holidays
Pairing Cairo with a Nile cruise is the most-booked first holiday in Egypt, and for good reason: it puts the Pyramids and the river temples in a single trip without a wasted day. You give the first two or three nights to Cairo – the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum on the plateau – then fly south to join a 5-star cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way. We hold both halves under one booking, arrange the internal flight, and keep the same standard of guiding from the plateau to the river. It is the itinerary we build most often for British travellers seeing Egypt for the first time.
14 matching holidays
The shape
What is a cairo and nile cruise Egypt holiday?
A Cairo and Nile cruise holiday combines two or three nights in Cairo – the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum or the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Coptic or Islamic Cairo – with a three- or four-night cruise on the Luxor–Aswan stretch of the Nile. The usual shape is seven or eight days in total, with an internal flight linking the two. It is the standard first-visit itinerary: the country's two headline experiences, the ancient capital and the river of temples, in one trip.
Cairo, then the river
How the classic eight-day combination runs
- Days 1–2CairoThe Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum on the plateau, and a half-day in Coptic or Islamic Cairo.
- Day 3Fly to AswanMorning flight south. Board the cruise after lunch; Philae Temple and the High Dam in the afternoon.
- Day 4Kom OmboSail north to the riverside double temple of Sobek and Horus, reached straight off the gangway at dusk.
- Day 5EdfuThe Temple of Horus at opening, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, then a long afternoon on the water.
- Days 6–7LuxorDisembark for Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the West Bank, with a night to take it slowly.
- Day 8Fly homeTransfer to Luxor airport for the connection to Cairo and the flight home.
Direction and length flex: we run it as a 5-night cruise, reverse the river leg, or open with the cruise and finish in Cairo to suit your flights.
Budget8 Days, Cairo + Nile Cruise (4 nights between Luxor and Aswan)
Luxor
I’m based in Cairo and we operate this programme on the ground as a licensed company under the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA). Over eight days you’ll combine two nights in Cairo with a four‑night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor plus return travel. Our Egyptologists lead the guided visits: the Giza Plateau (Khufu Pyramid and surrounding monuments), the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir), Saqqara (Djoser), then the cruise visits Philae, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu and the principal sites of Luxor – Karnak Temple on the East Bank and the Luxor West Bank including the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut (Deir el‑Bahri). Standard entrance fees to the sites included in the itinerary are covered; pyramid interior tickets (Khufu/Khafre), premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and optional excursions such as Abu Simbel are not included unless you request them. We arrange airport transfers, private transport between sites and the ship, and the cruise cabin; our local teams manage the logistics so you can focus on the sites themselves.
Mid8 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Tour
Cairo
This 8-day itinerary combines Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel with two hotel nights in Cairo, one in Luxor and a four-night Nile cruise segment between Luxor and Aswan. You see the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor East and West Bank sites, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Abu Simbel, with guided visits and site entrance fees included as stated. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange domestic flights, transfers and English-speaking Egyptologists. Unlike short packaged cruises that rush river sites, this programme allows longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and a scheduled morning entry to Abu Simbel.
Budget6-Day Cairo Tour | Pyramids, Museums & Historic Cairo
Cairo
This guided Cairo holiday focuses on the Egyptian Pyramids and Cairo’s historic attractions, with sightseeing arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Our Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout, explaining the sites and placing Cairo’s ancient and Islamic heritage in context. Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers keep the programme straightforward between visits, while entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary are included. Accommodation is arranged for five nights at a 5-star Cairo hotel. Unlike a short Cairo stopover, this package allows more time for guided visits and a measured pace between major sights. The itinerary is operated daily. International flights, the Egypt entry visa and gratuities are not included.
Budget4 Days Cairo Tour Packages
Cairo
Discover the very best of Egypt on this 4-day private guided tour. Starting in Cairo, the itinerary combines Cairo — with all domestic flights, private Egyptologist guide and handpicked accommodation included in every tier from Comfort to Luxury.
Premium8-Day Cairo to Aswan Nile Cruise for the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Cairo
Two nights Cairo, two nights Luxor, eclipse on Day 3. The short fly-in shape for travellers who can't take eleven days off.
Premium11-Day Egypt Grand Tour for the 2027 Solar Eclipse | DTE
Cairo
This 11-day Egypt tour combines time in Cairo with a Nile cruise package arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. The programme is centred on the 2027 solar eclipse and links Egypt’s capital with the historic Nile Valley. Accommodation is arranged in hotels and aboard an assigned Nile cruiser, with an Egyptologist accompanying the sightseeing programme. Standard Egyptian site entrance fees, transfers and accommodation are included unless stated otherwise. Domestic flights are excluded, so the relevant sectors must be arranged separately. Unlike a short Cairo break, this format gives you time to pair the capital’s archaeology with a slower journey along the Nile.
Mid7 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Include Edfu and Kom Ombo
Luxor
Discover the very best of Egypt on this 7-day private guided tour. Starting in Luxor, the itinerary combines Luxor, Cairo, Nile and Aswan — with all domestic flights, private Egyptologist guide and handpicked accommodation included in every tier from Comfort to Luxury.
Budget15-Day Egypt Tour | Cairo, Nile Cruise & Red Sea
Cairo
This 15-day itinerary links Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, Luxor and Hurghada, finishing in Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all transfers, domestic flights and Egyptologist-led sightseeing. We do not run large coach-group itineraries; transfers and excursions are by private air-conditioned car with local guides. Unlike short packaged cruises, this trip includes full calls at Kom Ombo and Edfu and time on both Luxor East Bank and West Bank, plus two full days at the Red Sea for snorkeling and a desert quad safari.
Budget3-Day Cairo: Giza, Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo
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.
- Budget
10-Day Egypt Tour | Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan & Luxor
Cairo
This 10-day itinerary visits Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, focusing on Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites. It is led by experienced Egyptologists and includes guided visits to major monuments and museums. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange domestic flights and the first-class train transfer between Aswan and Luxor. Unlike mass coach programmes, we limit daily group sizes and favour guided walking at each site so you have time to study inscriptions and architecture. Expect early starts at major temples and a pace tuned to avoiding midday heat where possible.
Budget13-day Alexandria, Cairo, Aswan–Luxor Nile cruise and Hurghada holiday
Nile (cruise route)
A 13-day guided holiday combining Alexandria, Cairo, a three-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, and a Red Sea break in Hurghada. We arrange domestic flights, private transfers and a dedicated Egyptologist throughout. This itinerary suits travellers who want museum and city sightseeing in Cairo and Alexandria followed by the paced sightseeing a short Nile cruise affords, then four nights for snorkeling and beach time in Hurghada. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we book the hotels and cruise with local suppliers and manage timings so you move comfortably between cities.
Mid6 Days Cairo & Nile Cruise Tour Package
Cairo
This six-day tour combines Cairo sightseeing with a three-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. It includes visits to the Giza pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Aswan’s major monuments, temples along the Nile, and Luxor’s East and West Bank sites. The itinerary also includes domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor.
Budget6 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour | Giza & GEM | Discovery Tours
Cairo
This 6-day Cairo and Alexandria holiday combines Cairo’s pharaonic and medieval sites with a full-day visit to Alexandria. You travel with an expert Egyptologist and private air-conditioned transfers. Highlights include the Giza Pyramids Complex and Great Sphinx, the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Saqqara’s Step Pyramid and a day in Alexandria to see Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. We run departures daily and use private vehicles rather than coach-style group transfers, which gives flexibility on pickup times and pacing. Entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included; international flights, the Egypt entry visa and tipping are not included in the price.
Mid9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Alexandria Tour | Discovery Tours
Aswan
A 9-day, land-based tour that visits Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor with private Egyptologists and a combination of domestic flights and a first-class train. We arrange all airport meet-and-assist, modern private transfers and guides for the major sites named in the itinerary. Unlike large coach programmes, every major visit is private and paced to avoid peak crowds whenever possible. We do not run fixed-seat group buses; instead you travel in air-conditioned cars with your Egyptologist. Entrance fees for the listed monuments are included, while pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless requested.
Practical questions
What clients ask about this style of holiday.
01How many days do I need for Cairo and a Nile cruise?
Seven days is the minimum that does both halves justice: two nights in Cairo for the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a four-day, three-night cruise. Eight days adds a second Cairo night or a fourth on the river. Anything shorter means rushing one half, and the internal flight makes a tight trip tighter.
02Do I fly between Cairo and the cruise?
Yes – a one-hour internal flight links Cairo with Luxor or Aswan, and we include it in the package. The overnight sleeper train is the slower alternative some travellers prefer. Either way we handle the transfer, the timing, and the luggage so the changeover is seamless.
03Is a Cairo and Nile cruise good for a first visit to Egypt?
It is the first-visit itinerary. It puts the two things almost everyone comes to Egypt for – the Pyramids and the river temples – in one trip, with a private Egyptologist guide throughout and a 5-star ship handling the logistics between Luxor and Aswan. Families, couples and solo travellers all do this shape.
04What is the Grand Egyptian Museum and is it included?
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) sits beside the Pyramids at Giza and holds the full Tutankhamun collection. We include it on the Cairo leg of this holiday. It has largely replaced the old Tahrir Square museum for the headline collection, though both can be visited if you want the contrast.
From the Cairo desk
Found the shape. Now make it yours.
Every Egypt holiday we sell is tailor-made – your dates, your party, your pace. Send a short brief or talk to the Cairo desk direct. Replies inside one working day.
– Suhaila & the Cairo team · 38 years · 6 offices · IATA #90255546