




9 Days: Cairo, Aswan nile Cruise to Luxor, and Bahariya Oasis
This 9-day Egypt journey offers a rich mix of ancient history, cultural discovery, and natural beauty. Begin in Cairo with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, followed by the iconic Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis. Travel south to Aswan to explore the High Dam and Philae Temple before boarding a Nile cruise. Witness the grandeur of Abu Simbel, the dual temple at Kom Ombo, and the perfectly preserved Edfu Temple. Arrive in Luxor to explore both the East and West Banks, including the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, then fly back to Cairo. From there, venture into the White Desert, sleep under the stars, and explore the Black Desert’s volcanic formations. Conclude your journey with visits to Saladin’s Citadel, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar. This itinerary blends Egypt’s timeless monuments with unique local experiences for a truly unforgettable adventure.
- Airport transfers in Cairo (arrival and departure)
- 4★ or 5★ accommodation in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor,
- Domestic flights: Cairo → Aswan Luxor → Cairo
- Nile Cruise for 3 nights (Aswan → Luxor) with full board
- Private air-conditioned transportation for all tours and transfers
- Licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- All entrance fees of: Grand Egyptian Museum Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Saqqara, Memphis
- All entrance fees for Philae Temple, High Dam Abu Simbel Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, Luxor.
- Desert safari with overnight camping (meals, tents, 4x4 transport)
- Lunch included on sightseeing days in Cairo & Luxor
- Full board on Nile Cruise (B/L/D)
- All meals during desert safari (B/L/D)
- Bottled mineral water during all excursions
- All service charges and taxes
- International airfare
- Egyptian tourist visa (~$25 USD on arrival)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional tours: Hot air balloon in Luxor Sound & Light Show at Giza
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, extra drinks)
Arrive in Cairo, where your representative will greet you at the airport and assist with customs and luggage. Transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—the most modern and expansive museum in the world dedicated to ancient Egypt. Marvel at its stunning architecture and view thousands of artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun, displayed with advanced interactive technology.
After the museum visit, enjoy a welcome lunch at a traditional Egyptian restaurant, where you'll sample authentic dishes like koshari, grilled kofta, or stuffed vine leaves. This is the perfect chance to get a taste of Egypt’s flavorful cuisine while relaxing after your travels.
Return to your hotel for leisure time or explore the city on your own. The adventure begins with history, culture, and flavor — all in one day.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals:
Lunch
Start the day at the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest and only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Learn how these marvels were constructed, then walk to the Sphinx, symbolizing royal strength and protection. Continue to Saqqara, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser—the earliest pyramid in history—stands as a testament to Imhotep’s genius. Finally, explore Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, where you’ll see the massive fallen statue of Ramesses II and other ancient relics in an open-air museum.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Aswan, a charming Nubian city. Visit the High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that controls the Nile’s annual flooding and powers much of Egypt. Next, board a motorboat to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This stunning temple complex was rescued from flooding and relocated to Agilkia Island, offering beautiful views and mythical stories carved into stone.
Then check in to your luxury Nile cruise, enjoy lunch onboard, and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day early with a scenic drive to Abu Simbel, two colossal rock temples built by Ramesses II. Their dramatic relocation to save them from Lake Nasser is a UNESCO triumph. Inside, admire towering statues and intricate carvings honoring the pharaoh and his beloved queen, Nefertari.
Return to the cruise and sail north to Kom Ombo, where the temple is uniquely dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Visit the Crocodile Museum to see real mummified crocodiles once worshipped here.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, travel by carriage to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built during the Ptolemaic period. It honors Horus, the protector god, and features epic battle scenes, sacred rituals, and enormous pylons. Reboard the cruise and continue sailing toward Luxor, once the capital of Upper Egypt. Enjoy lunch and sunset views from the sundeck as the timeless Nile scenery passes by.
Overnight: Nile Cruise in Luxor
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark for a full day exploring Luxor. On the West Bank, visit the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried in richly decorated tombs. Step inside several tombs, including optional entry into Tutankhamun’s tomb. Next, see the elegant Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh, carved dramatically into the cliffs. Pass by the Colossi of Memnon, two seated statues of Amenhotep III. After lunch, explore the East Bank: the massive Karnak Temple Complex—with its 134 giant columns—and Luxor Temple, beautifully preserved in the city’s heart. Evening flight to Cairo and hotel check-in.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Cairo early for the Bahariya Oasis, then head into the breathtaking White Desert, a surreal landscape of chalk formations shaped by centuries of wind and sand. Stop at Crystal Mountain, glittering with quartz and minerals, and drive through the Black Desert, where dark volcanic rocks cover golden dunes.
At sunset, your camp will be set up, and you’ll enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner under a canopy of stars. The peace and natural beauty of the desert offer a completely different side of Egypt.
Overnight: Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up to a peaceful desert sunrise and enjoy breakfast at camp. Explore the Black Desert, known for its volcanic hills and basalt-covered dunes.
You may visit local villages or natural springs before returning to Bahariya Oasis. After lunch and a brief rest, drive back to Cairo and check into your hotel. Use the evening to relax or enjoy optional shopping or a farewell dinner in the city.
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your final day with a visit to the Citadel of Saladin, built in the 12th century to defend against Crusaders. Tour the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also called the Alabaster Mosque, offering stunning views over Cairo.
Next, wander through the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where spices, lanterns, and souvenirs await. End with a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), where the Royal Mummies Hall showcases pharaohs such as Ramesses II and Seti I. Afterward, transfer to Cairo Airport for your international flight.
Meals:
Breakfast
- Passport & Travel Documents – Valid passport, printed visa, flight tickets, hotel and tour confirmations
- Light, Modest Clothing – Breathable cotton or linen; cover shoulders and knees at temples
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Essential for exploring pyramids, temples, and desert terrain
- Sun Protection – Sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, sunglasses, lip balm
- Swimwear & Towel – For Nile cruise and optional hotel pools
- Warm Layers – Light jacket or fleece for desert nights and air-conditioned transport
- Power Adapter – Egypt uses Type C and F plugs (220V)
- Personal Medications – Plus motion sickness tablets if needed for sailin
- Cash in USD or EUR – For visa, tips, and small local purchases