πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ 12 Days Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, 3-Night Nile Cruise & Sharm El Sheikh Escape

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Top Rated
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Availability
Everyday except the Peak Periods
Destinations
Cairo / Nile Cruise / Aswan / Luxor / Sharm
Tour Type
Private Tour
English Speaking Guide

Included

✈️ Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure at Egyptian airports.
πŸŽ“ Private, professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
🎟️ All entrance fees to the included sightseeing attractions.
πŸš— All transfers and transportation as per the itinerary in a private, deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle.
🍽️ Meals – Provided as mentioned in the itinerary
πŸ’§ Bottled water during the tour
✈️Domestic flight ticket Cairo / Aswan/ Luxor /Cairo.
πŸ›οΈ05 nights’ accommodation in Cairo on Bed and breakfast basis.
πŸ›οΈ03 nights` accommodation a 5 stars Nile Cruise on Full Board Basis. (3 meals Included)
πŸ›οΈ03 nights’ accommodation in in Sharm El Sheikh on Bed and breakfast basis.
🧾 Taxes – All applicable taxes included

Excluded

✈️ International Airfares – Not included
πŸ›‚ Egypt Entry Visa – Traveler’s responsibility
πŸ’΅ Personal Expenses – Laundry, telephone calls, and other incidentals
πŸ™ 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.

Overnight in Cairo

Welcome drink

2

Day 2: 🏺✨ Ancient Pyramids & Modern Wonders πŸ‘‘πŸŒ

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

3

Day 3: ✈️🌊 Cairo to Aswan Luxury Escape | Flight, Day Tour 🚒✨

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

A new day starts with breakfast, and then you will be driven catch your flight to Aswan where your guide will take you to see the High Dam, the Temples of Philae, the unfinished Obelisk, check in your Nile cruise and have lunch and then visit The Nubian village and the Botanical Island. 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.

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.

After the end of the tour, you will be driven to your 5 stars Nile Cruise where you will have your lunch meal and make your check in then the rest of the day is yours. Dinner will be served onboard and overnight in Aswan.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

4

Day 4: 🐊Kom Ombo Discovery: Crocodile God Temple & Return to Nile Cruise 🐊

Included Activities ( The Temple Of Kom Ombo)

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 Edfu.

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 Edfu, home of the best-preserved temple in Egypt: The Temple of Horus.

Optional Tour 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.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

5

Day 5: πŸ›οΈβœ¨ Temples of the Nile Day Tour 🌊🚒

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

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.

After your visit to this superb temple, you will be taken back to the boat in plenty of time before it departs Edfu and sets sail for Esna. Once you reach Esna you will watch as it sails through the Esna locks. Once through the locks, the boat continues on its course towards Luxor, once the boat is moored you will visit the Temple of Luxor. Then return back to the cruise for dinner and overnight in Luxor.

The temple of Luxor

The Temple of Luxor was the center of the most important festivals and one of the best temples which you will visit. It’s one of the most important and famous ancient Egyptian temples, located in the city of Luxor, which is about 700 km from Cairo, it’s an important tourist destination for its monuments and its distinctive weather, which makes it a wonderful destination for tourists from all over the world.

After the visit, you will be taken back to the boat for your dinner while after dinner you can go out or you can rest in the cruise.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Optional Tour Sound & light show in Karnak

Enjoy Luxor Tours Watching Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show on the east bank illuminated at night with an audio-visual show that will explain how the temple was built and what life was like in Ancient Egypt. We will give you the chance to discover how life has been thousands of years ago? You will know about them through the splendid Sound and Light Show at the Karnak Temples. This spectacle will take about 75-minute first takes you around the temple grounds, and finally, the last act is played while you are seated along the Great Sacred Lake. The performance relates the history of Luxor as the capital of the ancient world.

6

Day 6: 🏺✨ Luxor Royal Treasures Tour πŸ‘‘πŸŒ„

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

Morning time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan after having your breakfast, then drive you to Luxor hotel to check in and have some rest then take the chance to enjoy the exploration of the ancient city of Luxor and its impressive architectural heritage monuments, starting with:

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.

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

Β 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

Β 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 β€œthe 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.

Lunch will be served at a high-quality restaurant then proceed driving back to your Luxor airport to catch your flight back to Cairo and overnight

Overnight in Cairo Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

7

Day 7: πŸš—Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh Escape – Journey to the Red Sea Paradise πŸ–οΈ

πŸš—Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh Escape – Journey to the Red Sea Paradise πŸ–οΈ

Leave the bustling streets of Cairo behind and enjoy a comfortable drive to the breathtaking resort city of Sharm El Sheikh. Travel through Egypt’s stunning desert landscapes as you head toward the crystal-clear waters and golden beaches of the Red Sea. Upon arrival, unwind at your resort and get ready to experience relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable seaside charm.

Overnight in Sharm Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

8

Day 8: β˜€οΈ Sharm El Sheikh Leisure Escape – A Day of Relaxation & Adventure πŸ–οΈ

β˜€οΈ Sharm El Sheikh Leisure Escape – A Day of Relaxation & Adventure πŸ–οΈ

Enjoy a free day at leisure in the stunning resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, where relaxation meets adventure on the shores of the crystal-clear Red Sea. Spend your day soaking up the sunshine on golden beaches, exploring vibrant local markets, or joining optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, desert safaris, or yacht cruises. Whether you seek tranquility or excitement, Sharm El Sheikh offers the perfect escape for every traveler.

Overnight in Sharm Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

9

Day 9: β›°οΈβœ¨ St. Catherine Monastery Adventure – Sacred Sinai Discovery πŸ•πŸŒ„

Included Activities: Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Embark on a fascinating day trip from Sharm El Sheikh to the breathtaking St. Catherine region, nestled at the foot of the majestic Sinai Mountains. Discover one of the world’s oldest working monasteries, rich in history, spirituality, and ancient treasures. Explore the sacred atmosphere, admire remarkable religious icons, and enjoy the stunning desert landscapes that make this journey an unforgettable experience.

Saint Catherine’s Monastery

In the morning you leave Sharm El Sheikh and drive 2.5 hours to St. Catherine Monastery.

In the monastery, you visit the service, see the ancient icons, the well of Moses, and the Unburnt Thornbush. Also visit the Basilica of Transfiguration, the old refectory, chapels, and the ancient cemetery.

The eponymous Saint Catherine of Alexandria was martyred in the early 4th century AD. The monastery bears her name because its monks discovered her incorrupt body on nearby Mount Saint Catherine in the 9th century AD, where it had been deposited by angels after her martyrdom. The monastery encompasses multiple structures, the most important of which is the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ the Savior, which itself contains nine smaller churches. One of these is the Church of the Burning Bush, from which God had spoken to the prophet Moses. Saint Catherine’s Monastery also includes ten other churches, the monks’ accommodations, a refectory, an olive press, ossuaries, a Fatimid Mosque from the 12th century AD, and a library that boasts rare books and6,000 manuscripts. Then go to Dahab, have lunch and visit the market. At 16:00 you return to Sharm El Sheikh.

After you finish your day tour. You will be taken back to your hotel. We hope you enjoyed your quad bike safari in Sharm El Sheikh.

Overnight in Sharm Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

10

Day 10: πŸš— Scenic Journey from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo πŸ™οΈ

πŸš— Scenic Journey from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo πŸ™οΈ

Enjoy a comfortable drive from the beautiful shores of Sharm El Sheikh back to Cairo, Egypt’s vibrant and historic capital. Relax during the scenic journey as desert landscapes unfold along the way, connecting the tranquility of the Red Sea with the timeless energy of Cairo. Upon arrival, prepare to continue your Egyptian adventure surrounded by ancient history, lively streets, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Overnight in Cairo Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

11

Day 11: πŸ›οΈ 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 β€œshare 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.

Β 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.

Coptic Churches in Old Cairo

Coptic Cairo is unique area with Old Cairo that has a concentration of Christian churches and other sites that date from the centuries between the decline of the pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam when Egypt had a Christian majority. Coptic Cairo is largely built around the fort of Babylon on upon the remains of its walls.

Β 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 cafΓ©s 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

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 $3,372.00
Per Person in a Double Room $2,214.00
Per Person in a Triple Room $2,034.00

OCT - APR

Per Person in a Single Room $3,877.00
Per Person in a Double Room $2,547.00
Per Person in a Triple Room $2,341.00

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

Karnak Sound & Light Show / person $0.00