10-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Abu Simbel, Nile Cruise & Luxor
Tours to Egypt from Australia

10-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Abu Simbel, Nile Cruise & Luxor

A 10-day Egypt itinerary with a Nile Cruise included — combining Cairo's iconic landmarks, Abu Simbel's colossal temples, a 5-star Nile Cruise through Upper Egypt, and the legendary royal tombs and temples of Luxor in one complete private tour.

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What makes this trip

10-Day Egypt Itinerary with Nile Cruise

This 10-day Egypt itinerary with a Nile Cruise is one of the most comprehensive ways to experience ancient Egyptian civilisation — designed to take you from the last surviving wonder of the ancient world all the way to the colossal temples of Abu Simbel deep in Nubian territory, without ever feeling like you're rushing.

The first three days are spent in Cairo, covering the landmarks that define Egypt in the imagination of the world. The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx need no introduction — but standing before them in person is a different experience entirely. Saqqara adds important context, housing the world's oldest large-scale stone monument in the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. Day three dedicates a full morning to the Grand Egyptian Museum — the largest archaeological museum in the world — followed by the medieval Citadel of Salah El Din and the magnificent Mosque of Mohamed Ali overlooking the city.

Day four flies you south to Aswan, where a visit to the beautiful Philae Temple is followed by a sunset felucca ride on the Nile. Day five is the tour's most dramatic — an early morning road trip to Abu Simbel, where the colossal temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari stand as perhaps the most awe-inspiring monuments in all of Egypt. You board your 5-star Nile Cruise the same afternoon.

Three nights on the river deliver Kom Ombo's remarkable twin temple, the magnificently preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu — reached by traditional horse-drawn carriage — and Luxor's legendary West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Luxor's East Bank temples of Karnak and Luxor follow the next morning before a final flight back to Cairo, with time for a wander through Khan El Khalili Bazaar before departure.

Day by day

Itinerary

10 Days · 9 Nights

  1. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport you'll be met by your tour manager, assisted through arrival procedures, and transferred to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

    • Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel by your tour manager
    • Smooth hotel check-in with itinerary review and pick-up times confirmed
    • Rest of the day free to relax or enjoy your first impressions of Egypt's vibrant capital
    • No planned activities — a comfortable start before your 10-day Egypt itinerary begins

    Overnight: in Cairo.
    Meals: No Meals

  2. After breakfast, your private Egyptologist guide meets you for the first full day — beginning at the most iconic archaeological site on earth.

    • Stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza — the last surviving wonder of the ancient world
    • Admire the iconic Great Sphinx and visit the Valley Temple where ancient funerary rituals once took place
    • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing south
    • Discover the Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara — the oldest large-scale stone monument in history
    • Explore one of Egypt's most significant archaeological sites before returning to Cairo

    Overnight: in Cairo.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Saqqara

  3. A full day dedicated to two of Cairo's most significant cultural and historical landmarks.

    • Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum — the largest archaeological museum in the world
    • Explore thousands of priceless artefacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian civilisation
    • Admire the complete treasures of Tutankhamun including his legendary golden burial mask
    • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing
    • Visit the Citadel of Salah El Din — a medieval fortress commanding sweeping views over Cairo
    • Explore the magnificent Mosque of Mohamed Ali within the citadel walls

    Overnight: in Cairo.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Visits: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Citadel of Salah El Din & Mosque of Mohamed Ali

  4. After breakfast, the journey south to Upper Egypt begins — flying to the colourful and welcoming city of Aswan.

    • Early morning transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan
    • Upon arrival, visit the majestic Philae Temple dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor
    • Set on picturesque Agilkia Island, reached by a short motorboat ride across the Nile
    • Check in to your hotel before heading out for an afternoon sunset felucca ride on the Nile
    • Sail past Aswan's islands and watch the golden light fade across the water as the day ends

    Overnight: at a hotel in Aswan
    Meals: Breakfast.
    Visits: Philae Temple, Sunset Felucca ride.

  5. The most dramatic day of this 10-day Egypt itinerary — visiting Egypt's most awe-inspiring temples before boarding your 5-star Nile Cruise.

    • Early morning departure by air-conditioned coach with a small group to Abu Simbel
    • Marvel at the colossal temples of Ramses II — dedicated to Ptah, Re-Her-Akhtey, Amun-Re, and Ramses II himself
    • Visit the Temple of Queen Nefertari, also known as the Temple of Hathor — one of ancient Egypt's most beautifully preserved royal monuments
    • Learn about the extraordinary UNESCO relocation project that saved both temples from rising Nile floodwaters
    • Return to Aswan and board your 5-star Nile Cruise
    • Settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch on board, and begin your journey along the Nile

    Overnight: aboard your cruise in Aswan.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
    Visits: Abu Simbel.

  6. A full day of ancient temples, horse-drawn carriages, and the timeless scenery of the Upper Egyptian Nile.

    • Enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise sails north through the Nile Valley
    • Arrive at Kom Ombo and walk through the local town to the remarkable twin temple
    • Explore Kom Ombo's unique twin dedication to Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the Elder, with two identical entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries
    • Return to the cruise for lunch while sailing onwards to Edfu
    • Arrive at Edfu and travel to the temple by traditional horse-drawn carriage through the rural landscape
    • Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu — one of the best-preserved temples of the Greco-Roman era
    • Pass through the slow-paced local life of farmers and fishermen amid lush banana and palm groves
    • Return to the cruise for afternoon tea and a leisurely sail towards Esna

    Overnight: aboard your cruise in Esna.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
    Visits: Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple.
    Note: Cruise schedules are subject to change depending on river navigation conditions. The order of temple visits may occasionally vary, and Esna may be substituted for Edfu based on the ship's sailing schedule on the day.

  7. Arriving in Luxor, this day is dedicated entirely to the legendary burial monuments of the West Bank.

    • Sail into Luxor and disembark for a full day on the West Bank
    • Visit the Valley of the Kings — the royal cemetery of 62 pharaohs, each tomb decorated with extraordinary paintings and inscriptions
    • Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — built by New Kingdom architects in the 15th century BCE against towering limestone cliffs
    • Stand before the imposing Colossi of Memnon — two enormous stone statues watching over the Luxor plain for over three thousand years
    • Return to the cruise to relax and enjoy the ship's facilities before dinner on board

    Overnight: aboard your cruise in Luxor.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
    Visits: Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon.

  8. After a final morning on board, the cruise concludes and attention turns to the magnificent temples of the East Bank.

    • Enjoy a last breakfast on board surrounded by the calm waters of the Nile
    • Disembark and transfer to Luxor's East Bank with your guide
    • Visit the vast Karnak Temple Complex — one of the largest religious structures ever built, featuring the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall
    • Continue to the beautifully preserved Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak by the famous Avenue of Sphinxes
    • Transfer to your Luxor hotel and check in for the evening

    Overnight: at a hotel in Luxor
    Meals: Breakfast.
    Visits: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple.

  9. After checking out of your Luxor hotel, the journey back to Cairo brings one final cultural experience.

    • Check out and transfer to Luxor Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo
    • Upon arrival, visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar — one of the oldest and most atmospheric markets in the Islamic world
    • Browse traditional crafts, jewellery, spices, perfumes, and souvenirs through its historic lanes
    • Transfer to your Cairo hotel for the final overnight

    Overnight: in Cairo
    Meals: Breakfast.
    Visits: Khan El Khalili Bazars

  10. After a final Egyptian breakfast, your 10-day Egypt itinerary concludes with a transfer to Cairo International Airport.

    • Enjoy breakfast and any remaining free time depending on your flight schedule
    • Private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure
    • Ten days of ancient wonders, Nile landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with one of history's greatest civilisations

    Meals: Breakfast

What’s included

Your tour details

Included

Everything you need, covered.

  • Meet and greet service at airports
  • Assistance from guest relations throughout your stay
  • All transfers to and from airports and hotels in private air-conditioned vehicles
  • Domestic flight tickets: Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo
  • 4 nights accommodation in Cairo with breakfast
  • 1 night accommodation in Aswan with breakfast
  • 3 nights accommodation on a 5-star Nile Cruise with full board
  • 1 night accommodation in Luxor with breakfast
  • Private sightseeing tours in Cairo
  • Shared sightseeing during the Nile Cruise with the Memphis Tours group
  • Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide
  • Entrance fees to all listed attractions
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Bottled water during sightseeing
  • Porterage where required
  • All service charges and taxes

Not included

Available as custom add-ons.

  • International flights
  • Egypt entry visa
  • Optional tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping

Make it yoursOptional add-ons and upgrades are available. Our travel specialists can tailor this package around you.

Prices

Choose your hotel tier

Seasonal rates per person. Pick the tier that suits your style; the itinerary is the same in every tier.

Golden per person
Room Summer (MAY-SEP) Winter (OCT-APR)
Triple $2250 $3105
Double $2299 $3150
Per Solo Traveler $3575 $4999
Diamond per person
Room Summer (MAY-SEP) Winter (OCT-APR)
Triple $2650 $3699
Double room $2699 $3735
Per Solo Traveler $4290 $6160
Before you book

Important information

We make a donation to the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation for each booking reserved.

Price quotes are in US dollars per person per trip and are valid until April 30, 2027. Please inquire for pricing over Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter holidays

  • Up to 2 years: FREE
  • Age from 2 and below 6 years: 25% of adult price
  • Age from 6 up to 11 years: 50% of adult price
  • Ages 12 and Up: adult price.

Notes :

  • Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents ( Maximum 1 Child sharing parent's room )
  • If your tour includes airfare, additional charges for your children may apply.

We are offering a low down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour, including hotel room, cruise cabin, domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination to your tour manager.

Tipping for a job well done is customary in Egypt, though not required. Please feel welcomed but not obliged to offer a tip to your guide.

  • In case you cancel your trip, the following scale of charges will be applied:

- From the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date, 15% of the entire tour price will be charged.
- 35% of the tour price if you cancel 60-31 days before arrival.
- 50% of the tour price if you cancel 30-15 days before arrival.
- 100% of the tour price if you cancel 14-1 days before arrival.

Additionally, airlines charge their fees which are subject to the airlines' terms and conditions, and there's also a 5% bank fee on refunds.The cancellation policy may vary significantly for groups or unique itinerary.

  • Force Majeure


Here, at Memphis Tours, we prioritize your well-being and safety above all else and for that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case the government or the airline issues a NOT TO TRAVEL warning to the designated destination. In the event of this happening, we will refund you the amount paid for the tour package, or in some cases, your payment will be available as future travel credit and travel voucher that can be used towards any of the destinations we operate tours in. You have the flexibility to apply this amount towards new travel services booked. Reservations will be adjusted to reflect these travel credits automatically. Only flight cancellation/changing fees are charged, according to the airline's terms and conditions, and bank surcharges fees are applied to the deposit amount paid. Familiarize yourself with our full payment policy, cancellation and refund conditions.

Voices of experience

Stories from our community

4.96 from 1737 Egypt reviews

It was amazing. The staff was amazing. The food was superb. The guide was very helpful.
Liam Verified traveler

“Great Experience”

The boat was very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore Egypt.
John Williams Verified traveler

“good experience”

good experience.
Molly Verified traveler

“Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an inspiring adventure.”

WOW! The Treasures of Egypt tour was an absolutely amazing experience that left me speechless. Our guide was fantastic, the accommodations and meals were fantastic, and the Nile River cruise was unforgettable. The locals were incredibly friendly and we made great friends in our tour group. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an inspiring adventure.
Evans Verified traveler

“Iconic sites, enjoyed comfortable accommodations & delicious meals”

The Treasures of Egypt tour was an incredible experience that exceeded our expectations. We visited iconic sites, enjoyed comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and a Nile River cruise. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Egypt.
K. Louis Verified traveler

“Thank you Memphis Tours for this Family trip”

Our family recently took the Treasures of Egypt tour and it was the trip of a lifetime! We were blown away by the ancient wonders of Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Our guide was fantastic and made the experience even more fascinating for all of us. THANK YOU MEMPHIS TOURS!
Karen Verified traveler

“Exceeded our expectations”

The whole tour was out of this world and it was so humbling. Every day was well organized we didn't experience any issues.
Jess Verified traveler

“Great Tour and Amazing Guide    ”

Very detailed history got to most sites - weather was so great also our guides were great.
Marline Verified traveler

“Safe travel”

Great guides, great countries. Never imagined that Jordan is so magical. I really really really loved it. I and my girlfriends went on this trip alone. Traveling with Memphis was very safe for us.
Olivia Verified traveler

“Super Great Trip”

The trip was super great. Personally, I really enjoyed Morocco. There was this place called "Café Maure" it overlooks the “Abouregrag” River, We had tea with mint there and the view was amazing.
Michael Miller Verified traveler

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