Nile & Red Sea 8 days · 7 nights

Egypt’s Living History by Train, Boat and Sea

Cairo Luxor Hurghada Aswan Abu Simbel Giza

Four colossal statues of Ramesses II at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel

Ottoman-style facade and domes of the Muhammad Ali Mosque, Cairo Citadel

Panoramic view from the Aswan High Dam over the Nile downstream

Nile river cruise ship moored on the riverbank at Aswan

Carved columns of the Temple of Kom Ombo lit at dusk

All 10 photos

Length: 8 days · 7 nights
Places: 6 places
Package: Private tour
Departs: Daily, all year
On the Nile: 3 nights

Egypt's Living History is a private 8-day, 7-night tour. You take the overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, sail three nights to Luxor on the Mövenpick Royal Lily with Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Karnak, drive to Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort for two nights, and finish at Hyatt Regency Cairo West.

Travel Egypt overland and by river: the sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, a three-night cruise to Luxor taking in Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, two beach nights in Hurghada, then the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids.

Eight days through the Egypt most visitors come for: the ancient sites, the desert and the Nile, and the cities in between. Start with the sights of Cairo, then follow the Nile past Kom Ombo and Edfu to Luxor, where some of the best-known temples in the world stand.

Sail across the sacred Nile River, witness golden desert sunsets, and end your adventure by the crystal-clear waters of Hurghada on the Red Sea. From magnificent monuments to relaxing seaside escapes, this carefully crafted journey offers the perfect blend of history, culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Citadel and lunch at Mawlana, then the overnight sleeper train to Aswan
High Dam in Aswan and boarding the Mövenpick Royal Lily
Abu Simbel temples and the twin temple of Kom Ombo
Edfu Temple, the Esna lock, Karnak and Luxor Temple
Valley of the Kings, then two Red Sea nights in Hurghada
Grand Egyptian Museum, dinner at Caviar Restaurant and a final day at Giza

Where you sleep

Cairo1 night Hurghada2 nights Nile cruise3 nights Sleeper train1 night

Day by day

Day1 Arrival in Cairo LunchDinner

Welcome to Cairo, a city where the ancient and the modern sit side by side. Upon arrival, our representative will meet and assist you at the airport before the trip begins.
Visit the magnificent Mohamed Ali Mosque at the Citadel and enjoy panoramic views over historic Cairo.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at Mawlana, a renowned fine dining restaurant serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
Refresh in a private shower room before boarding the overnight sleeping train to Aswan, through the Egyptian countryside.
Dinner and overnight on board the train.
Day2 Arrival in Aswan BreakfastLunchDinner

Wake up in Aswan, where the Nile slows down and the air feels softer. Palm-lined banks and golden light make it the calmest part of the trip.
Stand before the mighty High Dam, the engineering project that changed modern Egypt and brought the Nile floods under control.
Step aboard Nile Cruise, floating sanctuary for the coming days, where luxury meets adventure as you sail through the heart of ancient Egypt.
Lunch and dinner are served on board, with time on the sun deck in between, as the river glows in shades of gold and amber at sunset.
End the day drifting along the Nile under a sky full of stars, spending a peaceful overnight stay on cruise in pure comfort and elegance.
Overnight on a Nile Cruise.
Day3 The Temples of the Gods: Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo BreakfastLunchDinner

Begin the day with an early breakfast box and set out for the Abu Simbel Temples, the huge rock-cut temples of Ramses II and one of the best-known archaeological sites in the world.
Return to a Nile Cruise to enjoy a relaxing lunch on board, then continue sailing north toward Kom Ombo while taking in the ever-changing beauty of the Nile banks.
Discover the extraordinary Kom Ombo Temple, unusual because it is dedicated to two gods, Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon god.
Enjoy dinner on board and unwind with a peaceful overnight stay as the boat sails on under a sky full of stars.
Overnight on a Nile Cruise.
Day4 Edfu to Luxor: Sailing Through Time BreakfastLunchDinner

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the boat sails past farmland and Nile villages, revealing the authentic charm of rural Egypt.
Visit Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in the world, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
Experience the fascinating Esna gate, a unique moment of navigation where your ship is raised from one water level to the next.
Continue onward to Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum, where you visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the two great temples of ancient Thebes.
Overnight on a Nile Cruise.
Day5 The Valley of the Kings & Journey to the Red Sea Night in Hurghada BreakfastLunchDinner

After breakfast, leave the boat and visit the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s greatest pharaohs were buried in tombs cut into the desert hills. Explore beautifully preserved royal tombs, where vivid hieroglyphs and ancient wall paintings bring thousands of years of history to life and reveal the secrets of the afterlife like nowhere else on earth. Continue your journey with a delicious Egyptian lunch at Isis Restaurant, then drive by private car to Hurghada on the Red Sea, known for its clear water and coral reefs.
Day6 Hurghada: Relax by the Red Sea Night in Hurghada BreakfastLunchDinner

A relaxing day on the shores of the Red Sea awaits you, where calm turquoise waters and warm sunshine create the perfect escape.
Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, unwind on golden sandy beaches, or take part in optional activities such as snorkelling over the coral reefs or a desert safari.
Day7 Return to Cairo: Museums, Crafts & Culture Night in Cairo Breakfast

After breakfast, travel back comfortably to Cairo and enjoy a smooth return to the capital. Have lunch at Skyrim with its stunning panoramic views over Cairo, then continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum to discover thousands of ancient artifacts that tell the story of Egypt’s civilization. Afterwards, visit a perfume and papyrus institute to experience two of Egypt’s oldest traditional crafts. End your day with a luxurious dinner at Caviar Restaurant overlooking the Pyramids of Giza, then overnight in Cairo.
Day8 The Pyramids of Giza and Farewell, BreakfastLunch

End of trip
On your final day, visit the best-known sights in Egypt. Stand before the legendary Pyramids of Giza and gaze at the Great Sphinx, one of the world’s most mysterious monuments. Have lunch at Khufu Restaurant, which looks straight onto the pyramids, the last of the Seven Wonders still standing. Finish at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a maze of busy alleys and craft shops and the best place in Cairo for souvenirs.

During the trip, the tour guide reserves the right to adjust the itinerary if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, impassable wadis, the health or well-being of participants, or vehicle issues. These changes are made in the interest of your safety and comfort. Therefore, we kindly ask for your understanding, as the exact order of the itinerary cannot be guaranteed. However, our team and agency remain committed to covering all program highlights whenever possible.

What’s included

Included

Meet and assist at Cairo International Airport by our representatives upon arrival
Ongoing assistance from our guest relations team during stay
Transfers by air-conditioned coaches
Accommodation 1 night on the Sleeping Train (Cairo to Aswan)
Cruise accommodation for 3 nights on a 5-star superior Nile Cruise ship, full board
Hotel accommodation for 2 nights in Hurghada at a 5-star hotel on Soft All-Inclusive basis (Marriott or similar)
Hotel accommodation for 1 night in Cairo at a 5-star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis (Hyatt Regency or similar)
All sightseeing as mentioned in the below program with entrance fees
Experienced tour guide during the tours
Meals as mentioned in the program
Daily 01 bottle of water during the tours outside of the hotel or the Nile cruise
Taxes & service charges

Not included

International flight
Egypt Entry visa
Personal expenses
Optional tours not mentioned in the program
Tips

Where you stay

Beach, palms and guest wings of Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort

5 stars Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort Sheraton Road2 nights View hotel

Outdoor pool and terrace at Hyatt Regency Cairo West

5 stars Hyatt Regency Cairo West Giza1 night View hotel

On the Nile

5 stars Movenpick Royal Lily 3 nights aboard View cruise

Terms

Children policy

Infants up to 2 years old: free of charge.

Children from 2 to 5.99 years old: 25% of the adult price.

Children from 6 to 11.99 years old: 50% of the adult price.

Children from 12 years old: the adult price applies.

The children policy applies to children sharing their parents’ room (a maximum of one child per room). If the programme includes a flight, the child’s flight is charged.

Booking and payment

Only 25% of the total price is required on confirmation, to secure hotel rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flights and other travel services.

The rest can be paid up to two days before arrival, or in cash on arrival to your tour manager.

Tips during tours

Tipping for good service is customary in Egypt, though not mandatory. It is always appreciated and entirely at your discretion.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel, the following charges apply:

From the date of booking until 61 days before arrival: 15% of the total package price.

60 to 31 days before arrival: 35% of the total package price.

30 to 15 days before arrival: 50% of the total package price.

14 to 1 days before arrival: 100% of the total package price.

Airline charges follow the airlines’ own terms and conditions, and refunds carry a 5% bank fee. Cancellation terms may differ for group bookings, by the time of booking, or for customised itineraries.

Force majeure

Your safety comes first. If an official “Do Not Travel” advisory is issued by a government or an airline for your destination, you can choose a full refund of the tour package or, in some cases, a travel credit for any of our destinations, applied to a future booking.

Only airline cancellation or change fees, under the airline’s terms, and bank charges on the deposit apply.

Questions

Where do I stay on this tour?

Night one is on the sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan. Nights two to four are on the Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor on full board. Nights five and six are at Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort on a soft all-inclusive basis, and night seven is at Hyatt Regency Cairo West with breakfast.

What is the sleeper train like?

On day one, after the Citadel and lunch, you can freshen up in a private shower room before boarding the overnight sleeping train to Aswan. Dinner is served on board and you wake up in Aswan, ready for the High Dam and your cruise. It replaces a domestic flight, so no flights are included in this programme.

Is Abu Simbel included?

Yes. On day three you leave early with a breakfast box for the Abu Simbel temples of Ramses II, then return to the cruise for lunch and sail on to Kom Ombo. The cruise also includes Edfu, the Esna lock, Karnak and Luxor Temple, with the Valley of the Kings on the morning you disembark.

How do I get from Luxor to Hurghada and back to Cairo?

After the Valley of the Kings and lunch at Isis Restaurant, you travel by private vehicle from Luxor to Hurghada on the Red Sea. On day seven you travel back to Cairo, have lunch at Skyrim and continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum.

What is not included?

International flights, the Egypt entry visa, personal expenses, optional tours such as snorkelling or desert safari in Hurghada, and tips are not included. Transfers, guiding, entrance fees, the train, cruise and hotel nights, and the meals listed in the programme are included.

Can I customise it, and how do I book?

Yes, it is a private tour that can be adjusted, for example with extra beach nights. Send us your travel dates and group size and we will price the trip for you. A 25% deposit on confirmation secures hotels and services; the balance is due up to two days before arrival, or in cash on arrival to your tour manager.

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