15 Days Cairo, Alexandria and Nile Cruise with Abu Simbel

After breakfast, meet your knowledgeable guide at your hotel to begin an inspiring day visiting Giza’s legendary landmarks.

Start your exploration at the Giza Plateau, home to the majestic Great Pyramid of Khufu, alongside the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Admire the iconic Great Sphinx, the mythical guardian with a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s head that has stood watch for millennia. 

Visit the nearby Valley Temple, a sacred site where ancient rituals and mummification took place, offering stunning vistas of the surroundings for a truly memorable experience.

Enjoy lunch at a reputable local eatery.

Afterwards, head to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest and most advanced museums globally, showcasing Egypt’s priceless archaeological treasures. Wander through impressive displays of statues, relics, and royal artifacts spanning the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. 

Highlights include regal sculptures, exquisite jewelry, and everyday objects that paint a vivid picture of life in ancient Egypt. The museum’s modern layout and detailed exhibits provide a captivating journey through Egypt’s rich past.

At day’s end, you will be comfortably driven back to your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to explore Cairo at your leisure. Wander through bustling streets, visit fascinating museums, or relax at a cozy café. For those interested, optional guided tours are available.

Optional Tours:

• Market & Bazaar Tour: Immerse yourself in Cairo’s traditional markets with a local guide. Discover vibrant stalls, unique handicrafts, and authentic street life.
• Nile Dinner Cruise & Folk Performance: Enjoy a 2-hour evening cruise on the Nile, featuring a buffet dinner alongside live traditional music, belly dancing, and a captivating Tanoura dance show.

Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alexandria, the Mediterranean gem of Egypt, steeped in history and a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman heritage.

Begin at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an elaborate 2nd-century AD burial site blending cultural styles with spiraling chambers and ornate tombs showcasing the city’s diverse past.

Next, see Pompey’s Pillar, a towering Roman monument honoring Emperor Diocletian, then explore the nearby Serapeum ruins—once a temple dedicated to the god Serapis.

Lunch will be served at a quality local restaurant.

Continue to the Qaitbay Citadel, a remarkable 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The fortress offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and insight into Alexandria’s historical maritime significance.

End the day at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural marvel inspired by the ancient library, housing millions of books, exhibitions, and manuscripts, celebrating Alexandria’s legacy as a center of knowledge.

Return to your hotel in Alexandria for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: The Alexandria Library is closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Spend a relaxed day in the charming coastal city of Alexandria, known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.” Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque Corniche, where gentle sea breezes and expansive Mediterranean views create a serene atmosphere.

Explore quaint streets lined with cafés, bookstores, and markets. Visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre ruins.

For those interested, an optional day excursion to El Alamein is available, featuring visits to WWII battlefields, military museums, and memorials honoring soldiers from this historic region.

In the evening, unwind with a seafood dinner by the shore or a peaceful walk along the beach promenade.

Later, our representative will transfer you back to your hotel in Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy another free day in Cairo to discover the city at your own speed. Wander through lively neighborhoods, visit museums, or relax in a local café. Optional tours can be arranged for those seeking guided experiences.

Optional Activities:

• Local Souks & Handicrafts Tour: Explore bustling markets with a guide, uncovering handmade goods and enjoying the vibrant market ambiance.
• Evening Nile Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: Sail the Nile at sunset, enjoying a buffet dinner and live performances including traditional music, whirling dervishes, and belly dancing.

Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast

Your guide will lead you to three significant sites showcasing the early history of pyramid building and ancient Egyptian civilization.

Start at Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser—the oldest stone pyramid in the world and a marvel of ancient architecture with its six stepped layers that influenced later pyramids.

Proceed to Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, where you’ll see the giant statue of Ramses II, a powerful reminder of Egypt’s past grandeur.

Conclude at Dahshur to explore the distinctive Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which highlight the progression in pyramid design and engineering techniques.

Return to Cairo for your final night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional Evening: Enjoy the Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids—a stunning spectacle illuminating the history and legends of the Giza Plateau for a perfect end to your trip.

Return to Cairo for a day full of historical and religious significance. Begin at the Citadel of Salah El Din, a commanding fortress established in 1183 AD on Mokattam Hill, offering panoramic views of Cairo.

Visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque, a splendid example of Ottoman design, known for its gleaming white alabaster walls, majestic domes, and elegant minarets. Explore its peaceful courtyards and detailed decorations reflecting centuries of heritage.

Next, venture into Old Cairo, a district rich in religious diversity. Visit the Abu Serga Church, traditionally believed to be where the Holy Family stayed during their flight into Egypt. Then, see the Hanging Church, famed for its wooden ceiling and ancient icons, built over Roman ruins. Finally, explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt’s oldest Jewish places of worship, steeped in history.

This day offers a profound glimpse into Cairo’s multi-faith cultural fabric.

Overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, I transferred to Cairo International Airport for a short flight to Aswan, the peaceful southern city known for its Nubian heritage.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore independently.

Take a stroll along the scenic Nile Corniche, enjoy hibiscus tea in a traditional café, or opt for a felucca sail at sunset to admire the golden views over Elephantine Island.

Aswan is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and rich Nubian traditions.

Overnight in Aswan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart early on a desert drive to the extraordinary Abu Simbel temples, monumental structures carved from rock by Ramses II in the 13th century BC. These temples are celebrated for their colossal statues and precise alignment with the sun.

Explore the Great Temple dedicated to Ramses II and the smaller temple honoring Queen Nefertari—both relocated in a massive UNESCO effort to save them from flooding by Lake Nasser.

After marveling at this archaeological treasure, return to Aswan for an evening at leisure or to visit the lively Nubian market.

Overnight in Aswan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your day visiting the Aswan High Dam, an impressive engineering feat that transformed Egypt by controlling the Nile’s flooding and creating Lake Nasser.

Then, take a motorboat to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple’s beautiful reliefs and graceful columns create an enchanting atmosphere.

In the afternoon, board your luxurious Nile cruise ship. Enjoy a welcome lunch onboard as you start your journey through Upper Egypt’s timeless landscapes.

Overnight aboard the Nile Cruise (Aswan)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail north to Edfu, where you’ll ride a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved temple. Explore its towering gateways and sacred chambers dedicated to the falcon god Horus.

Continue to Kom Ombo, a rare double temple devoted to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Visit the attached Crocodile Museum to view mummified crocodiles revered in ancient times.

Return to the cruise ship for a relaxing evening. Participate in the traditional Galabeya Party, featuring music, dancing, and local cuisine.

Overnight on the Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank, the spiritual heartland of ancient Egypt. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were buried in elaborately decorated tombs.

Explore the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning terraced complex set against cliffs, honoring Egypt’s renowned female ruler.

Before returning, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic statues that have stood sentinel for over 3,400 years.

Overnight aboard the Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark the cruise and visit Luxor’s monumental temples. Start with Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt, built over two millennia.

Stand beneath the Hypostyle Hall’s 134 massive columns and stroll the Avenue of Sphinxes that once linked Karnak to Luxor Temple.

End your tour at Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated in the evening, surrounded by the bustling modern city. Admire statues of Ramses II and detailed carvings depicting divine kingship.

Transfer to your hotel in Luxor for a restful night.

Optional Activity: Take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings at sunrise (approx. 30–45 minutes).

Overnight in Luxor

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to Luxor Airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for traveling with us! We hope your Egyptian journey has been inspiring and memorable, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

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.