Cairo and Giza
Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum
Discover the landmarks of the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum as outlined in the programme.
Essential Egypt: Cairo and Nile Cruise
8 Days | 7 Nights
Egypt
Overview
An 8-day journey through Egypt, combining Cairo, Giza and four nights cruising the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. The programme brings together archaeological heritage, cultural visits and a river cruise, with Portuguese-speaking assistance during the scheduled visits.
The programme includes three nights in Cairo and four nights on board, as well as the scheduled domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo.
Route overview
Travel route
From Cairo to Upper Egypt, the programme combines land excursions, domestic flights and four nights cruising the Nile.
Route: Cairo and Giza → domestic flight Cairo–Luxor → Nile cruise with Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Philae → domestic flight Aswan–Cairo.
- Domestic flight
- Cruise
- Overnight stay
- Visit or stop
Map: Memphis Turismo editorial cartography; public-domain Natural Earth base.
Memorable experiences
Journey highlights
Three perspectives connecting archaeology, landscapes and river travel along the itinerary.
Luxor
Karnak, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings
Visit Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Aswan and Philae
River cruising and the heritage of Upper Egypt
Complete your cruise with the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Trip profile
Who we recommend this trip for
This itinerary is recommended for travellers who value archaeology, history and cultural heritage and would like to combine Cairo with an organised cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
- History and archaeology
- First trip to Egypt
- Nile cruise
- Moderate pace
Important: this tour involves heat, walks at archaeological sites, uneven surfaces, steps, transfers and boarding a cruise ship. We recommend mobility and stamina suited to a moderate pace.
Images: Pyramids of Giza, Benjamin Inbar, CC BY-SA 4.0; entrance to Karnak Temple, Belmahdy, CC BY-SA 4.0; Temple of Isis at Philae, Warren LeMay, CC0 1.0. Images adapted for web presentation.
What's included
- Meet-and-assist services at Cairo, Luxor and Aswan airports.
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Three nights in Cairo, including breakfast.
- Four nights on a Nile cruise, with full board.
- Lunch during the visits on Day 2.
- Admission to the sites mentioned in the programme.
- A Portuguese-speaking guide during the scheduled visits.
- Domestic flights Cairo–Luxor and Aswan–Cairo.
- Local taxes and services described in the programme.
What's not included
- International flights.
- Optional excursions.
- Egyptian visa, listed at USD 30 per person on arrival.
- Admission inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu and to the tomb of Tutankhamun.
- Drinks with meals.
- Tips, personal expenses and other extras.
- Any service not expressly listed as included.
Before you travel
Frequently asked questions about this trip
Important information about the operation, accommodation and services included in this itinerary.
Does the itinerary include domestic flights?
Yes. The Cairo–Luxor and Aswan–Cairo flights are included in the programme, subject to operational availability.
What is the meal plan?
In Cairo, breakfast and the lunch specified on Day 2; on the cruise, full board as outlined in the programme.
Is the Egyptian visa included?
No. The visa is not included in the package, and its cost must be confirmed before travel.
Can the hotels and cruise ship change?
Yes. Confirmation depends on availability, and similar accommodation in the same category may be used.
Are special admission tickets at the pyramids included?
No. Admission inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu and to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included.
How many nights are scheduled at each stage?
The programme includes three nights in Cairo and four nights on board the Nile cruise.
Memphis editorial selection
Content reviewed by the Memphis Turismo team on .
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Cairo
Arrival at Cairo International Airport. Meet-and-assist services for arrival formalities, followed by a private transfer to the hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is free to relax.
Accommodation: Cairo. Meals: not included.
Day 2
Pyramids of Giza and Grand Egyptian Museum
After breakfast, visit the Giza Plateau, with the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Return to the hotel at the end of the visits.
Accommodation: Cairo. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Day 3
Cairo, Luxor and cruise embarkation
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and domestic flight to Luxor. Meet-and-assist services, cruise embarkation and lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex. Return to the ship for dinner.
Accommodation: on board. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4
Valley of the Kings and sailing to Edfu
Breakfast on board. Visit the West Bank of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the ship and sail towards Edfu.
Accommodation: on board. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5
Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
Breakfast on board. Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Continue to Kom Ombo and visit the temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Return to the ship and sail towards Aswan.
Accommodation: on board. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6
Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple
Breakfast on board. Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, followed by Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and relocated to Agilkia Island. Return to the ship.
Accommodation: on board. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7
Aswan and return to Cairo
Breakfast on board and disembarkation. Transfer to Aswan Airport and domestic flight to Cairo. On arrival, meet-and-assist services and a private transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Cairo. Meals: breakfast.
Day 8
Departure from Cairo
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, a private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination.
Accommodation: —. Meals: breakfast.
Prices and hotels
10% OFF · Egypt and Morocco. The package prices in this table already include the campaign discount once, for bookings confirmed by 31 October 2026. This deadline does not extend fare validity or define travel dates. Optional activities, taxes and third-party fees are quoted separately.
Prices per person
Reference prices per person for travel in 2026, in US dollars (USD). Prices are subject to confirmation of availability, seasonality and applicable booking terms.
Silver Category
| Accommodation | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Single | USD 3,622.50 | USD 4,055.40 |
| Double | USD 2,068.20 | USD 2,317.50 |
| Triple | USD 2,061.00 | USD 2,215.80 |
Gold Category
| Accommodation | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Single | USD 3,714.30 | USD 4,422.60 |
| Double | USD 2,122.20 | USD 2,527.20 |
| Triple | USD 2,057.40 | USD 2,430.90 |
Diamond Category
| Accommodation | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Single | USD 3,924.00 | USD 4,737.60 |
| Double | USD 2,241.90 | USD 2,698.20 |
| Triple | USD 2,151.00 | USD 2,682.90 |
Travel seasons: summer, from 1 June to 1 September; winter, from 2 September to 31 May.
The programme is priced for a minimum of two paying passengers. Prices are subject to availability and reconfirmation at the time of booking. Commercial validity must be confirmed before purchase.
Planned hotels
Planned hotels and vessels, subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking:
| Category | Cairo — 3 nights | Nile cruise — 4 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Azal Pyramids Hotel — stated category 4★ Official website ↗ |
Hapi Nile Cruise — stated category 4★ |
| Gold | Azal Pyramids Hotel — stated category 4★ Official website ↗ |
Blue Shadow — stated category 5★ Official fleet website ↗ |
| Diamond | Hilton Pyramids Golf — stated category 5★ Official website ↗ |
Blue Shadow — stated category 5★ Official fleet website ↗ |
Hotels and vessels may be replaced by similar properties or vessels in the same category. The final vessel from the Blue Shadow fleet is subject to operational confirmation.