10 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel (Archaeology Tour)

Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast, followed by meeting your professional Egyptologist guide in the hotel lobby.

Venture out to the awe-inspiring Giza Plateau, home to the legendary pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Behold the iconic Sphinx, guardian of these ancient marvels, and visit the Valley Temple, a site rich with history and ritual significance.

Savor a flavorful lunch at a handpicked local restaurant.

Afterward, head to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the world’s most advanced cultural institutions. Inside, explore a vast array of ancient relics, from colossal statues to intricate jewelry, spanning millennia of Egypt’s past. Admire treasures from the Old Kingdom to the New, including objects once belonging to mighty pharaohs.

At day’s end, return comfortably to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

Optional: In the evening, attend the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids—a captivating display that narrates ancient history through light projections and dramatic storytelling.

Enjoy breakfast before setting off with your expert guide on a day trip through Egypt’s pyramid legacy.

Start at Saqqara, where the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser rises in tiers—the earliest monumental stone structure in history. Learn about Imhotep’s architectural genius that redefined royal tomb design.

Then explore the open-air museum of Memphis, Egypt’s first capital. See the immense statue of Ramses II and the alabaster sphinx amid the remnants of this ancient city.

Your final stop is Dahshur, where you’ll visit two lesser-known yet fascinating pyramids: the Bent Pyramid, famous for its unique sloped design, and the Red Pyramid—the first true smooth-sided pyramid ever built.

Return to Cairo in the afternoon for a restful evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Cairo

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor—ancient Thebes and a treasure trove of antiquity.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration with a visit to Karnak Temple, a sprawling religious complex developed over centuries. Wander through the vast Hypostyle Hall, marveling at massive columns etched with lotus and papyrus motifs.

Then proceed to Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Admire towering statues, impressive reliefs, and the harmonious blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman influences.

After your tour, head to your hotel and relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Luxor

Cross the Nile after breakfast to the storied West Bank, burial ground of pharaohs and nobles.

Explore the Valley of the Kings, where elaborately painted tombs of rulers like Tutankhamun and Seti I lie hidden within the hills.

Continue to the majestic Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari—a testament to the reign of Egypt’s powerful female pharaoh.

On your return journey, stop to view the Colossi of Memnon—two massive statues of Amenhotep III that have stood watch for millennia.

Return to your hotel for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Luxor

Set out on a full-day journey to two incredible archaeological sites outside Luxor.

Travel north to Abydos to visit the Temple of Seti I, dedicated to Osiris. Admire some of Egypt’s finest bas-reliefs and explore the legendary Abydos King List, chronicling pharaohs through the ages.

Next, visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera. Known for its astronomical ceiling and beautifully preserved carvings, this site is a jewel of Greco-Roman architecture. Look out for the famous Dendera Zodiac and the richly decorated underground chambers.

Return to Luxor in the evening, enriched by this off-the-beaten-path experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Luxor

Following breakfast, travel south along the Nile en route to Aswan, stopping to explore two captivating temples.

At Edfu, visit the Temple of Horus—among the most complete temples from the Greco-Roman era. Walk through colossal gateways and halls filled with carvings depicting the god Horus’s epic victory over Seth.

Continue to Kom Ombo, a dual temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Its symmetrical design, dual sanctuaries, and unique carvings of surgical instruments offer rare glimpses into ancient Egyptian knowledge and spirituality.

End your day in Aswan and check into your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Aswan

Begin early for an unforgettable excursion across the Nubian desert to Abu Simbel.

Behold the grandeur of Ramses II’s temple complex, relocated in a remarkable modern engineering feat. The four colossal statues at the entrance are aligned with the sun to illuminate the inner chamber twice annually.

Inside, explore decorated halls narrating scenes of war and divine worship. Visit the nearby Temple of Queen Nefertari, where she is depicted equally alongside the king—a rare honor in ancient times.

Return to Aswan for a free evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Aswan

Begin with a visit to the modern marvel of the High Dam, which transformed Egypt’s economy and created Lake Nasser.

Take a scenic boat ride to Philae Island and explore the Temple of Isis, carefully reconstructed to preserve its beauty after being threatened by rising waters.

Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, head to your hotel for your final night in Egypt.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Cairo

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to Cairo Airport for your international departure.

We hope your journey through Egypt has been magical, and we look forward to welcoming you again!

Meals: Breakfast

How much you pay upfront to lock in a Min Travel booking comes down to what you are reserving, so our terms are grouped by service type:

• Day Tours & Excursions: the entire cost (100%) is settled at the moment you book, which confirms your spot.
• Multi-Day Tour Packages & Nile Cruises: a 30% deposit holds your reservation, with the remaining balance due no later than 15 days before you arrive.
• Christmas, New Year & Easter Bookings: these high-demand windows call for a larger 50% deposit to secure your place.

The instant your payment goes through, we email you a written confirmation, a personalized itinerary, and your travel documents, and every payment you make comes with its own receipt.

Life doesn't always go to plan, and we get that. Here is how a cancellation is handled, measured against your arrival date:

• 30 days or more before arrival: you get everything back, less whatever your bank or the transaction charges
• 15 to 29 days before arrival: a fee of 25% of the total tour cost applies
• 7 to 14 days before arrival: the cancellation fee rises to 50%
• Fewer than 7 days before arrival, or a no-show: the full 100% is charged

Where money is owed back to you, expect it within 14 business days from the day we receive your cancellation in writing. Do keep in mind that individual hotels and certain cruises enforce tougher rules of their own, and any such condition will be spelled out plainly in your itinerary.

Families are always welcome aboard our tours, and we price younger travelers on a sliding scale:

• Infants under 2 years: travel free
• Children 2–5 years: pay 25% of the adult rate
• Children 6–11 years: pay 50% of the adult rate
• Children 12 years and above: charged the full adult rate

These reduced rates hold only where a child shares a room with two adults who are each paying in full. Bear in mind that a handful of luxury hotels and Nile Cruises set their own conditions for younger guests, and any such restriction that touches your trip will appear in your itinerary.

Beyond the standard package there are a number of extra experiences you can choose to add. Reserve them ahead of time or sort them out on the spot once you are there, availability permitting. A few of the favorites travelers pick up:

• Stepping inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu and other tombs
• Evening Sound & Light Shows at the Giza Pyramids, Karnak, or Philae Temples
• A sunrise hot air balloon flight above Luxor
• Camel rides or a horse-drawn carriage through the old quarters
• Private photography sessions at the great landmarks

You can pay for these add-ons in either USD or Egyptian pounds (EGP). Booking early is wise, all the more so when you are traveling in the busy season.

Our packages cover a great deal, but a few costs fall outside them and are worth setting money aside for:

• Anything you buy for yourself, from souvenirs to snacks
• Drinks at mealtimes, unless your plan states otherwise
• In-hotel extras such as the minibar, room service, or laundry
• Your Egyptian entry visa, which is normally paid when you land
• SIM cards or internet access, unless we've arranged it for you
• Tips and any optional experiences you decide to add

It helps to keep a little Egyptian currency (EGP) on hand as you go, particularly for tipping and for picking things up in the local markets.

In Egypt, tipping (known as "baksheesh") is simply how good service is acknowledged. No one is obliged to tip, but the gesture goes a long way and is warmly received. As a rough guide:

• Tour guide: $15–$20 per day for the group
• Driver: $5–$10 per day for the group
• Nile Cruise crew: $5–$10 per person each night, pooled among the staff
• Hotel porters and housekeeping: modest tips of $1–$2

Gratuities sit outside your package price, so it's worth keeping a few small USD or EGP notes within easy reach for the moments they're called for.

Before you arrive, make sure the following are sorted:

• Passport: must remain valid for a minimum of six months from your entry date.
• Visa: requirements hinge on your nationality; some travellers arrange one ahead of time, others obtain it on arrival, and certain nationalities qualify for an e-visa.
• Travel Insurance: not compulsory, but strongly advised to cover medical emergencies and other surprises.
• Vaccinations: none are mandatory for entry, though it's sensible to ask your healthcare provider about any recommended shots.

By and large, yes. Egypt puts considerable effort into protecting visitors, particularly at major attractions and in the larger cities, so tourists are generally well looked after. As with any trip abroad, it's still smart to review your government's current travel advisories and keep an eye on local news before and during your visit.

Pulling an Egypt trip together is straightforward once you work through it step by step:

• Set your dates and budget: pin down when you'd like to travel and what you're comfortable spending; this shapes your choices for flights, hotels, and tours.
• Map out your itinerary: from Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza to Luxor, Aswan, a Nile Cruise, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts, decide which places make the cut and how long you'll linger at each.
• Pick a trustworthy operator: whether that's a local Egyptian company, an international agency, or a specialist online platform, lean on reviews and ratings to confirm they're reliable.
• Choose a package or build your own: ready-made packages bundle flights, hotels, transport, and guided tours, or you can tailor everything to your own interests and budget.
• Reserve your spot: once you've settled on a plan, contact the operator to confirm availability, share your details, and pay either a deposit or the full amount as their policy requires.
• Get your documents in order: check your passport's validity, apply for an Egyptian visa if you need one, and print your itinerary, hotel vouchers, and tour confirmations.
• Pack smart: dress for the weather and your planned activities, and don't overlook comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and travel adapters.
• Enjoy the journey: once you land, follow your itinerary, stay in touch with your guide or agency, and soak up Egypt's history and culture.

No, gratuities aren't built into the tour price. Tipping, known locally as "baksheesh," is woven into everyday life in Egypt, and it's customary to reward guides, drivers, and hotel staff directly. A sensible approach is to let the quality of service guide you, generally in the region of 10-15% of the bill or service cost.