Cairo: 11-Day Egyptian Highlights with Nile Cruise & Balloon

Overview

This 11-day Egypt tour departs from Cairo and covers Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Alexandria, ideal for travelers seeking historical sites and Red Sea relaxation.

Highlights

• Stand before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
• Cruise the Nile in 5-star comfort from Luxor to Aswan
• Explore Abu Simbel’s rock-cut temples
• Experience a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor
• Visit Karnak Temple’s forest of columns

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairo – Pyramids, Museum, Dinner Cruise
Meet your representative at Cairo Airport for arrival assistance. Visit the Giza Plateau for the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and a camel ride. Explore the Egyptian Museum’s ancient artifacts. After checking into your hotel, enjoy dinner on a Nile cruise with a folkloric show.

Day 2: Fly to Hurghada – Red Sea Check-in
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hurghada. Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to your beach hotel.

Day 3: Hurghada – Orange or Paradise Island
Take a boat trip to either Orange Island or Paradise Island, depending on availability. Swim in clear waters and relax on the white sandy beaches. Return to your hotel by late afternoon.

Day 4: Drive to Luxor – West Bank and Cruise Boarding
After breakfast, drive to Luxor. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Enjoy a felucca sail on the Nile before boarding your 5-star cruise for lunch and overnight stay.

Day 5: Sunrise Balloon Ride – Luxor East Bank – Sail to Edfu
Take an early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s fields and temples. After landing, tour Karnak and Luxor Temples with a private guide. Return to the cruise ship and sail toward Edfu.

Day 6: Edfu and Kom Ombo – Nile Sailing
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu by carriage. Then sail to Kom Ombo to explore the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Continue sailing south with onboard meals and river views.

Day 7: Abu Simbel – Nubian Village – Fly to Cairo
Depart early by air-conditioned vehicle to Abu Simbel for temple exploration. Return to Aswan to visit a Nubian Village and enjoy an Egyptian lunch. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo and check into your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Alexandria Day Trip
Travel to Alexandria after breakfast. Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Qaitbay Citadel on the Mediterranean coast. Return to Cairo in the evening.

Day 9: Fly to Sharm El Sheikh – Mount Sinai Night Ascent
Fly to Sharm El Sheikh and check in to your hotel. In the evening, hike to the summit of Mount Sinai at night.

Day 10: St Catherine Area – Sharm Leisure
Descend after sunrise and visit the St Catherine area outside the monastery, if available. Return to Sharm El Sheikh for leisure time.

Day 11: Fly to Cairo – Tour Ends
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. On arrival, meet your driver for transfer to your accommodation.

Includes

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Professional English-speaking guide (Spanish, German, or French guides available at extra cost)
• 3 nights accommodation in Cairo
• Flight tickets within Egypt
• 3 nights accommodation on a 5-star Nile cruise (Deluxe or Luxury options available as add-ons)
• 2 nights accommodation in Hurghada
• 2 nights accommodation in Sharm El Sheikh
• Hot air balloon ride over Luxor

Excludes

• Entry fees to sites
• Drinks, including water
• Tips

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Book early to secure your preferred flight and cruise options. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a jacket for early morning balloon rides. The best time to visit is from October to April for cooler temperatures.