🌍 12 Days Egypt Budget Tour | Cairo, 04 nights Nile Cruise & Alexandria Escape

5 Reviews
Top Rated
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Availability
Everyday except the Peak Periods
Destinations
Cairo / Giza / Luxor / Edfu/ Kom Ombo / Aswan / Alexandria
Tour Type
Private Tour
English Speaking Guide

Included

✈️ Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure at Egyptian airports.
🎓 Private, professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
🎟️ All entrance fees to the included sightseeing attractions.
🚗 All transfers and transportation as per the itinerary in a private, deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle.
🍽️ Meals – Provided as mentioned in the itinerary
💧 Bottled water during the tour
✈️Domestic flight ticket Cairo / Luxor / Aswan / Cairo.
🏛️07 nights’ accommodation in Cairo on Bed and breakfast basis.
🏛️04 nights’ accommodation in board of a 5 stars Nile Cruise on full board basis. (3 meals included).
🧾 Taxes – All applicable taxes included

Excluded

✈️ International Airfares – Not included
🛂 Egypt Entry Visa – Traveler’s responsibility
💵 Personal Expenses – Laundry, telephone calls, and other incidentals
🙏 Tipping – For guides, drivers, and Nile Cruise crew
🍹 Beverages – Drinks on board the cruise and during meals
🎟️ Optional Tours – Not included in the package
🧳 Travel insurance

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Welcome to Egypt

Arrival to Egypt   

Welcome to Cairo. Your tour begins when you are greeted by our representative who will assist you. After you have collected your luggage, he will then take you, in our deluxe vehicle, to your Cairo hotel.

2

Day 2: 🏺✨ Saqqara & Ancient Capital Experience 👑🌍

Included Activities: Memphis Museum – The Step Pyramid Complex – Unas Pyramid –Pyramid of Teti – Old Kingdom Tombs

At 8 am we will start our day tour and start exploring the history of Egyptian Civilization and visit the ruins of its first capital

Memphis Open Air Museum

Memphis was the oldest capital of ancient Egypt, the first one that was founded after the unification of upper and Lower Egypt. The city was founded in the first dynasty (3100 BC).

The Step Pyramid of Saqqara

It’s called also step Pyramid of Zoser or Josser, due to the King Zoser who ordered his minister Imhotep to build it, this pyramid consists of six-layers, its height was about 197foot (60 meters). It is the first Pyramid ever built and it is the first largest scale stone building in the world.

Pyramid of Unas

The Pyramid of Unas is a smooth-sided pyramid built in the 24th century BC for the Egyptian pharaoh Unas, the ninth and final king of the Fifth Dynasty.

Pyramid Complex of Teti

Teti (c.2345–2323 BC), the first ruler of the Sixth Dynasty, built his pyramidal complex not far from the Step Pyramid of (c.2667–2648 BC), in Saqqara. Upon completion, it stood 52.5 m tall.

The mastaba tomb of Kagemni also known as Memi

The mastaba was discovered in 1843 by Richard Lepsius. It had to wait until 1905 before von Bissing would begin his publication of rooms IV to VIII, which wasn't completed until 1911.

The mastaba of Nikauisesi

The mastaba of Nikauisesi is situated in the north-east sector of the necropolis of Saqqara. The tomb was discovered in 1979-80 by the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The mastaba of Ankhmahor

The mastaba of Ankhmahor is situated on the northern side of Teti’s pyramid at Saqqara in the block of tombs belonging to the officials of the king’s Dynasty VI reign.

At the end of this great day we will enjoy lunch in one of the best resturants that looks over the Pyramids and then we will go back to our hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

3

Day 3: 🏺✨ Ancient Pyramids & Modern Wonders 👑🌍

Included Activities: The Pyramid Complex – The Valley Temple – The Great Sphinx – The Grand Egyptian Museum

At 09 am you will meet your tour Guide and start your day to the great Pyramids area which includes:

Giza Pyramids Complex

The three main pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure) are sufficient enough to build a 2-meter-long wall and span 100,000 square kilometers around the globe along with the equator.

The Great Pyramid (Extra Ticket to go inside)

The Great Pyramid of King Khufu is considered largely represents the spirit of ancient Egypt, King Khufu who built this Pyramid as a cemetery has left little information about his reign. Khufu ruled for about twenty-four years. Ironically, despite the enormity of his pyramid, the only statue of King Khufu himself is really small statue carved from ivory.

The Magical Sphinx

Who among us when mentioning the name of the Sphinx does not think about this stone sculpture that carved in the form of the human head and lion body, which is located in the Giza plateau in Egypt the Sphinx is one of the oldest and the largest sculptures in the world, it’s about 73.5 meters long and 6 meters wide.

The Valley Temple

It was used as a place for the embalming process. This temple constructed definitely for two functions: First, it was used for the purification of the mummy before its burial. Second, it was used for making the Mummification process of the king.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

 The museum houses a collection of the most valuable Egyptian artifacts ever from various periods of the Egyptian civilization, from the Predynastic Period to Coptic Egypt, with an estimated total of over 100,000 artifacts, including at least 20,000 that will be displayed for the first time ever, including the complete King Tutankhamun collection comprising 5,398 pieces. The Tut collection is on display in a 7,500 m2 section of the museum. Rare pieces that have been restored will be displayed for the first time, such as the second solar ship of Khufu, the restoration of which cost $5 million, the collection of Queen Hetepheres (mother of King Khufu), and the collection of Yuya and Thuyu (parents of Queen Tiye).

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

4

Day 4: :✈️🌊 Cairo to Luxor Escape | Flight, Day Tour 🚢✨

Included Activities: Karnak Complex & Luxor Temple – Sound & Light Show

A new day starts with breakfast, and then you will be driven catch your flight to Luxor upon arrival you will be met and assisted by our representative who will transfer you to your Nile Cruise to check in and rest.
In the afternoon after having lunch in a local restaurant, you will be guided to

The Complex of Karnak Temples

Built over two millennia between the years of around 2200 and 360 BCE, Karnak is a massive Ancient Egyptian temple complex that was one of the country's most important places of worship under the rules of Hatshepsut, Seti I, Ramesses II and Ramesses III. As well as the dominating Temple of Amun-Ra, Karnak is also made up of smaller chapels and sanctuaries dedicated to other deities, as well as grand halls, docks, a sacred lake. and pylons - the monumental gateways that mark temple entrances.

The Temple of Luxor

Luxor Temple, Ipet‑resyt “Southern Sanctuary” to the ancient Egyptians, was so called because of its location within ancient Thebes (modern Luxor). It is located around three kilometers to the south of Karnak Temple, to which it was once linked with a processional way bordered with sphinxes. The oldest evidence for this temple dates to the 18th Dynasty (c.1550–1295 BC).

Optional Tour Karnak Temple Impressive Sound and Light Show

Among the bewitching activities that you can enjoy in the miraculous city, “Luxor” is attending the breathtaking Sound and Light show which is arranged in Karnak temple Complex and it is considered an hour and half hour spectacular Hollywood style extravaganza. The site there recounts the great history of Thebes “The ancient Capital” as Karnak Temple was mainly constructed to honor the god Amun. The most interesting thing to do is to walk through that great temple at night and witness the real glory of ancient architecture.

Now our representative will take you back to your Nile Cruise in Luxor to finish your unforgettable day trip.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

5

Day 5: 🏺✨ Pharaohs City of the Dead 👑🌄

Included Activities: Hatshepsut Temple – Colossi of Memnon – 3 tombs in the Valley of the Kings tombs of (Merenptah – Ramses III – Ramses IV)

In the beautiful morning from your Nile Cruise in Luxor, our tour guide will meet you to take you to enjoy a journey in the west bank of Luxor where you will visit:

The Valley of the Kings

The rulers of the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth Dynasties of Egypt’s prosperous New Kingdom (c.1550–1069 BC) were buried in a desolate dry river valley across the river from the ancient city of Thebes (modern Luxor), hence its modern name of the Valley of the Kings. This moniker is not entirely accurate, however, since some members of the royal family aside from the king were buried here as well, as were a few non-royal, albeit very high-ranking, individuals.

The Tomb of King Merenptah

 The second-largest tomb in the valley, Merenptah’s tomb has been open since antiquity and has its share of Greek and Coptic graffiti. Floods have damaged the lower part of the walls of the long tunnel-like tomb, but the upper parts have well-preserved reliefs. The corridors are decorated with the Book of the Dead, the Book of Gates and the Book of Amduat. Beyond a shaft is a false burial chamber with two pillars decorated with the Book of Gates.

The Tomb of King Ramses III

One of the most popular tombs in the valley, KV 11 is also one of the most interesting and best preserved. Originally started by Sethnakht (1186–1184 BC), the project was abandoned when workers hit the shaft of another tomb (KV10). Work resumed under Ramses III (1184–1153 BC), the last of Egypt’s warrior pharaohs, with the corridor turning to the right, then left. It continues deep (125m overall) into the mountain and opens into a magnificent eight-pillared burial chamber.

The Tomb of King Ramses IV

 Originally intended to be much larger, KV 2 was cut short at 89m on the early death of the pharaoh (1147 BC) and a pillared hall was converted to be the burial chamber. The sarcophagus is in place with a magnificent goddess Nut filling the ceiling above it. Close to the entrance of the valley, this tomb was opened in antiquity and inhabited (there is Greek, Roman and Coptic graffiti), and used as a hotel by many 18th- and 19th-century visitors.

The Temple of Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut (c.1473–1458 BC), the queen who became Pharaoh, built a magnificent temple at Deir al-Bahari, on the west back of Luxor. It lies directly across the Nile from Karnak Temple, the main sanctuary of the god Amun. Hatshepsut’s temple, Djeser-djeseru “the Holy of Holies” was designed by the chief steward of Amun, Senenmut.

The Colossi of Memnon

These two faceless colossi (the plural of colossus, which just means larger-than-life statue) are the first thing visitors see when they reach the west bank of the Nile opposite Luxor. This isn't surprising when you hear their dimensions: they tower 60 feet (18 m) above the plains and are estimated to weigh an enormous 720 tons each.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

6

Day 6: 🏛️✨ Temples of the Nile Day Tour 🌊🚢

Included Activities ( The Temple Of Horus – The Temple of Sobek)

You can enjoy an early breakfast. Once the boat is moored you will visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt: The Temple of Horus. After your visit to this superb temple, you will be taken back to the boat for your lunch while the cruise boat crosses the Esna lock to the city of Esna and continue sailing to Luxor.

Edfu Temple

Edfu temple which was dedicated to Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris and its walls are really impressive with its inscriptions and pictures showing Horus having his revenge from Seth the brother of his father Osiris. It is the best preserved and most complete in Egypt temple and second largest after Karnak.

Enjoy sun bathing and tea time on the deck of the Cruise. Once a shore you will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Horus and Sobek. After this great visit you will return back to the cruise for your dinner being served as it sails majestically towards Aswan.

The temple of Sobek in Kom Ombo

The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple in the town of Kom Ombo in Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty, 180–47 BC. Some additions to it were later made during the Roman period. The building is unique because its 'double' design meant that there were courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods.

After the visit, you will be taken back to the boat for your dinner while it sails onward to Aswan.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

7

Day 7: 🏛️✨ Aswan majestic Highlights 🚢🌅

Included Activities: Aswan High Dam – Philae Island Temples – the Unfinished Obelisk

A new day starts with breakfast, and then you will be driven to see the High Dam, the Temples of Philae, the unfinished Obelisk, your visit includes:

Aswan High Dam

At Aswan High Dam, you’ll hear from your tour guide the whole story of its construction and how it helped the Egyptians a lot to improve their economic and social state. Then, you’ll move to witness the miraculous:

The Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk was supposed to be standing in front of Hatshepsut Temple but some cracks happened to it which leads Queen Hatshepsut to order her men to move it to Aswan and it is characterized with its majestic size.

Philae Temples

Philae Temple was constructed in 690 B.C and it had been relocated with the help of the UNESCO because it was in great danger from the High & Low Dams of Aswan. It was dedicated to goddess Isis.

After enjoying our great tour to these amazing temples, we will return back to the Cruise where we will have our lunch and then the rest of the day is yours. Dinner will be served later onboard and overnight.

Optional Tour to the Nubian Village & The Botanical Island

Discover the colorful culture of Nubia, one of Africa's oldest civilizations, traveling by felucca sailboat or modern motorboat, you'll meet locals, visit a traditional house, drink tea, and have free time to explore villages independently while Kitchener’s Island, to the west of Elephantine Island, was given to Lord Horatio Kitchener in the 1890s when he was commander of the Egyptian army. Kitchener turned the entire island into the stunning Aswan Botanical Gardens, importing plants from the Far East, India and parts of Africa.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

8

Day 8: ✈️✨ Aswan to Cairo flight 🌊🏙️

✈️✨ Aswan to Cairo flight 🌊🏙️

Your day starts with breakfast at the hotel and followed by check out then you will transfer to Luxor Airport to catch your flight back to Cairo. Once you arrive you will be taken to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to relax.

Overnight in Cairo hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Tour to Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel temple complex includes 2 individual temples that were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The great temple was built for the king himself to commemorate his coronation and his birthday and it has been built in a very impressive accurate way which makes the whole world await the Sun Festival that occurs only twice a year in the great temple of the Pharaoh to witness the miracle that occurs there. The smaller temple was built as a sign of love & appreciation from the king to his beloved queen Nefertari and she was the only wife of the king for whom he has built a temple.

After the end of the tour, you will be driven to Aswan airport to catch your flight back to Cairo where you will meet our representative to drive you to your hotel in Cairo and overnight.

Overnight in Cairo Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

9

Day 9: 🏛️ Cairo’s Timeless Treasures | and Shopping adventure ✨

Included Activities: NMEC, Citadel & Khan El Khalili

Experience the magic of historic Cairo on an unforgettable day tour to the magnificent National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, home to the royal mummies and Egypt’s greatest cultural masterpieces. Continue to the iconic Cairo Citadel and admire the stunning Mosque of Mohamed Ali with breathtaking panoramic views over Cairo. End your journey wandering through the vibrant lanes of Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where oriental charm, local crafts, and authentic Egyptian atmosphere create a truly unforgettable experience.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

The first museum of civilization in the Arab world, the NMEC will present a comprehensive view of Egyptian civilization from prehistory to the present day, taking a multidisciplinary thematic approach designed to highlight Egypt’s tangible and intangible heritage. A museum of a new kind, unknown so far in Egypt and the entire Middle East region, the NMEC’s main goal is to “share knowledge”, to connect with the surrounding Egyptian society and to offer international visitors a richer and deeper insight into the meaning of Egyptian culture.

The Citadel of Cairo

Salah Al-Deen (known as Saladin to European historians) overthrew the Fatimid dynasty in 1171 AD, establishing the new Sunni Ayyubid Caliphate. Given the threat of invasion by European crusader armies, Saladin decided to improve the fortifications of the city and in 1176 AD he began construction of a wall that would encircle both Al-Qahira (today Islamic) and Fustat (Old Cairo). Saladin’s Citadel served as the seat of government in Egypt for 700 years until Khedive Ismail moved into Abdin Palace in newly constructed Downtown Cairo in the 1870’s.

Mohamed Ali Mosque

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is located inside the Citadel of Salah al‑Din al‑Ayyubi (Saladin) in Cairo. It was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha (1220–1264 AH/1805–1848 AD), the founder of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty (1220–1372 AH/1805–1953 AD), on the site of Mamluk palaces. He had these demolished to make room for his new building, which is also known as the "Alabaster Mosque", in reference to its marble paneling on its interior and exterior walls. The mosque’s twin minarets are the highest in all of Egypt, each reaching a height of 84 meters.

Muizz St & Khan El Khalili

Afterward, dive into the lively heart of Cairo at the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar. This historic market is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East and remains a vibrant center of culture and local life.

Here, narrow streets overflow with colorful lanterns, handmade crafts, perfumes, spices, jewelry, and authentic Egyptian souvenirs. In addition, the market is filled with traditional cafés where you can relax and enjoy Egyptian tea or fresh mint drinks while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Without a doubt, Khan El Khalili offers the perfect place to experience the true spirit of Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

10

Day 10: 🌊✨ Alexandria Discovery Day Tour | Mediterranean History & Coastal Charm 🏛️📸

Included Activites: Qaitbay Citadel – Catacombs – Pompai Pillar & Bibliotheca Tour

Your day starts with breakfast in your hotel followed by a 2.5-hour drive, in our air-conditioned vehicle, to Alexandria where you will check-in at your hotel upon arrival.

The Catacombs of Kom Alshaqafa

The Catacombs of Alexandria are the largest and most important burial site in Egypt that has a mixture of Roman, Hellenistic, and ancient Egyptian decorative art and elements that were all common during this period in Alexandria.

The Pompai`s Pillar

It’s a column that stands on a rocky hilltop in the middle of Alexandria. Pompey Pillar is a triumphal monument erected around 300 AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Qait Bay Citadel

Qaitbay Citadel has been built during the 14th century by (Sultan Qaitbay) to defend Alexandria from the attacks of The Ottoman Empire. You can enjoy the Sea views, wonderful restaurants, and unforgettable touristic items while visiting it.

Lunch will be served during the day tour in a sea view restaurant in Alexandria and then we will drive back to the hotel and overnight in Alexandria.

Library of Alexandria

Alexandria’s ancient library was one of the greatest of all classical institutions, and while replacing it might seem a Herculean task, the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina manages this with aplomb. Opened in 2002, this impressive piece of modern architecture is a deliberate attempt to rekindle the brilliance of the original center of learning and culture. The complex has become one of Egypt’s major cultural venues and a stage for numerous international performers.

At the end of our day tour, we will start moving back to Cairo and check in as soon as your arrival and overnight.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

11

Day 11: 🌟✨ Explore the Spiritual & Royal Side of Cairo in One Day! ✨🌟

Included Activities: Manial Palace , Ibn Tulun Mosque and Coptic Cairo

Discover the timeless beauty of Cairo as you explore the royal elegance of Manial Palace, the majestic Ibn Tulun Mosque, and the spiritual charm of Coptic Cairo on one unforgettable cultural journey.

Manial Palace Museum

The Museum of Prince Muhammad Ali’s Palace in Manial is one of the most beautiful and important historical museums in Egypt. The museum exhibits an important period in the history of modern Egypt and is characterized by its architectural design. Its modern Islamic style merges with Persian and Mamluk elements. It was also inspired by Syrian, Moroccan and Andalusian motifs, as well as Ottoman style. The building thus harmonizes between a number of Islamic architectural traditions.

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun

When we will go to Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque one of the oldest Islamic monuments in Egypt which was built in 879. It has the first spiral minaret that was erected in the sky of Egypt and is considered one of the hanging mosques that are built on a rocky peak called "Shukr" on Mokattam Mountain.

But if you want to know What was the mosque of Ibn Tulun used for?  In the 12th century, it served as a shelter for pilgrims traveling to the Hijaz from North Africa. Al-Qata'i, the capital of Ibn Tulun and the administrative center of the Tulunid dynasty, was designed with the grand congregational mosque as its focal point.

Coptic Cairo – A Sacred Journey Through Egypt’s Early Christian Heritage

Coptic Cairo is one of the most spiritually rich and historically significant districts in Egypt, offering a peaceful escape into the heart of early Christianity. This ancient area is home to some of the country’s oldest churches, holy shrines, and sacred sites that date back nearly two thousand years.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

12

Day 12: We will miss you

Cairo (Final Departure)

Your final day starts with breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out. You will then be transferred to the airport for your final departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Prices & Accommodation

Silver

MAY - SEP

Per Person in a Single Room $3,431.00
Per Person in a Double Room $2,221.00
Per Person in a Triple Room $2,022.00

OCT - APR

Per Person in a Single Room $3,946.00
Per Person in a Double Room $2,554.00
Per Person in a Triple Room $2,326.00

Optional Extras

Tour to Abu Simbel / person $125.00

Nubia Village / person $50.00

Hot Air Balloon / person $65.00

Pyramids Camel Ride / person $20.00

Great Pyramid entry ticket / person $32.00