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Small-group departure · Egypt

Cairo – Nile Cruise – Hurghada (11 Days / 10 Nights)

An 11-day Egypt holiday with Cairo’s icons, a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and Red Sea time in Hurghada.

The route4 cities, joined by flight.
Loading map…
11 days, 10 nightsDuration
4 citiesWhere you sleep
3 nights’ accommodation in Cairo on bed and breakfast basisMeals

Why this journey

Begin in Cairo, where the scale of ancient Egypt comes into view at Giza, with the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Chephren, the Pyramid of Mycerinus, and the Sphinx forming the opening chapter of the trip. The pace is balanced with time at the Egyptian Museum and the lively lanes of Khan El Khalili, giving you a fuller picture of the city beyond the monuments. With three nights in Cairo at the start, there is enough breathing room to settle in before the journey moves south.

From Cairo, the itinerary continues by domestic flight to Aswan and onto a 3-night Nile cruise, one of the most distinctive ways to travel through Upper Egypt. The route includes the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the temple at Kom Ombo, before sailing onward toward Luxor. Life on board adds a slower rhythm to the holiday, with full-board dining and river views between sightseeing stops.

In Luxor, the west bank reveals some of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, while the east bank brings Karnak into focus. After the cruise ends, the trip shifts from history to relaxation as you travel overland to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast, where three nights by the beach give the itinerary a more laid-back finish.

The final days in Hurghada are free for rest, swimming, or optional excursions, making this Egypt tour a good fit for travellers who want a mix of ancient heritage, river cruising, and coastal downtime. It is a practical choice for visitors looking for a guided Egypt holiday that combines Cairo sightseeing, a Nile cruise itinerary, and a beach stay without rushing through the country.

Trip highlights

  • 01See Cairo’s headline monuments, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
  • 02Spend time at the Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili for a fuller Cairo experience.
  • 03Travel south by domestic flight to begin the Nile cruise section in Aswan.
  • 04Enjoy three nights on the Nile with full-board cruising between key Upper Egypt sites.
  • 05Visit Kom Ombo and sail onward through the classic river route toward Luxor.
  • 06Explore Luxor’s main archaeological sites, including Karnak and the West Bank.
  • 07Finish with three nights in Hurghada for beach time and Red Sea relaxation.
  • 08A balanced itinerary for travellers who want history, cruising, and coastal downtime.

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip12 items covered in this fare
Hotels3
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Cairo on bed and breakfast basis
  • 1 night’ accommodation in Luxor on bed and breakfast basis
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Hurghada on half board basis
Transfers1
  • Private air-conditioned transfers throughout the itinerary
Sightseeing1
  • All sightseeing as per itinerary
Flights1
  • Domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan
Entrances1
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
Guides1
  • English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Cruise1
  • 3 nights’ accommodation onboard Nile cruise on full board basis
Meals3
  • Breakfast in Cairo and Luxor stays
  • Full board dining onboard the Nile cruise
  • Half board basis in Hurghada
Plan and pay separately7 items not covered by this fare
Flights2
  • International flights
  • Additional domestic flights not specified in the itinerary
Visa1
  • Egypt entry visa
Meals1
  • Beverages and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips1
  • Tipping of USD 45 per person
Personal Expenses1
  • Personal expenses
Insurance1
  • Travel insurance

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

Meeting & drop-off
You're met atCairo, EgyptReport by Upon arrival in Cairo
You're dropped atHurghada, EgyptBy about After breakfast on day 11

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Airport assistance and transfer to the hotel are included.

16 go inside0 walk through1 exterior only
Cairo8 places
CairoEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Great Pyramid of CheopsEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Pyramid of ChephrenEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Pyramid of MycerinusEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
SphinxEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Egyptian MuseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Khan El KhaliliEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
AswanEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Aswan2 places
High DamEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Unfinished ObeliskEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Kom Ombo2 places
Kom Ombo TempleEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
LuxorEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Luxor1 places
Karnak TempleEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Luxor West Bank3 places
Valley of the KingsEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Hatshepsut TempleEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Colossi of MemnonSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Hurghada1 places
HurghadaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Egypt

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctGood

Oct–Apr is the best time — comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Avoid summer heat exceeding 40°C.

Cairo
Average High
30°C
Rainfall
0mm
Luxor
Average High
34°C
Rainfall
0mm
Hurghada
Average High
30°C
Rainfall
0mm
Sharm el-Sheikh
Average High
30°C
Rainfall
0mm
Essential

Passport and visa requirements

  • A valid passport is required for travel to Egypt.
  • The Egypt entry visa is not included and is the traveller’s responsibility.
  • Check document validity well before departure so there is time to arrange any required paperwork.
Essential

Insurance and personal wellbeing

  • Travel insurance is mandatory for this holiday.
  • Guests should carry any personal medication they may need during the trip.
  • Follow the guidance of your Egyptologist guide at monuments, temples, and on board the cruise.

Pack for two climates

  • Cairo and Luxor can feel warmer than the Red Sea coast, especially in summer.
  • Bring light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle.
  • A light layer is useful for air-conditioned vehicles, hotels, and the cruise ship.

Domestic flight and private transfers

  • The itinerary includes a domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan.
  • All land transfers are arranged in private air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Timing may shift slightly depending on flight schedules and operational conditions.

Stays vary by destination

  • The trip combines city hotels, a Nile cruise, and a beach hotel in Hurghada.
  • Hotel check-in and check-out times follow property rules.
  • Room preferences and special requests are subject to availability.

Meal plan by destination

  • Breakfast is included in Cairo and Luxor.
  • The Nile cruise is on a full-board basis.
  • Hurghada is on a half-board basis, so some meals and beverages remain at your own cost.

Extra excursions may be available

  • Your guide may offer optional excursions in Aswan, Luxor, or Hurghada depending on availability.
  • Optional activities are not part of the package price unless confirmed in writing.
  • Ask about add-ons early if you want to plan extra sightseeing time.

Operational flexibility

  • The itinerary may be adjusted for local conditions or scheduling reasons.
  • Unused services are non-refundable.
  • Guests should read the full booking conditions before confirming.

Common questions

What is included in the Nile cruise portion of this holiday?

The cruise includes three nights on board on a full-board basis, with sightseeing between Aswan and Luxor as listed in the itinerary.

Is this Egypt holiday suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. It combines Cairo’s main sights, a classic Nile cruise, and time in Hurghada, so first-time visitors can see Egypt’s key highlights in one trip.

Are the main entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance fees to all mentioned sites are included in the package.

How much free time is there in Hurghada?

The last two full days in Hurghada are free for relaxation or optional excursions, depending on your preference.

Do I need to arrange my own visa for Egypt?

Yes. The Egypt entry visa is not included and should be arranged by the traveller before departure.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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