9 Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Siwa Oasis

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative from “Egypt Best Vacations,” who will guide you through the arrival and visa procedures. Enjoy complimentary free time at your hotel, marking the commencement of your 9-day Egypt itinerary to Cairo, Nile cruise and Siwa Oasis.

As the morning sun bathes Cairo in a golden glow, anticipation buzzes in the air. Today marks the dawn of your 9-day Egypt itinerary. Your adventure begins right at your hotel, where a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide awaits. With eager smiles and hearts brimming with anticipation, you climb aboard a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, ready to unlock the secrets of Egypt’s legendary past.

Today, you will visit the Giza Plateau. Today’s tour includes the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure with the great Sphinx. The only ancient wonder which still remains (Khufu’s pyramid) awaits you. Today you will learn about the history of the pyramids, how they were constructed, and why they were constructed.

Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to the impressive Egyptian Museum. Hundreds of objects from all periods of Egypt’s past are displayed on the two floors of the museum. Return back to your hotel.

A breathtaking Nile cruise vacation awaits! The following four days of your 9-day Egypt itinerary will be spent cruising along the Nile River. So, you will take a transfer to Cairo Airport to fly to Aswan to begin your 3-night Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor.

Meet your guide just outside the arrival terminal at Aswan Airport to commence your tour. Explore the highlights of the beautiful City of Aswan such as the High Dam, one of the great engineering feats in the 1960s. Then proceed to the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae Island. End your tour at the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk. Then, transfer to your Nile cruise ship. Overnight in Aswan.

Optional tour: Tour to the Nubian Village in Aswan

Enjoy a free morning on board your cruise ship or join us on an optional tour to the phenomenal temples of Abu Simbel. 

Your Nile cruise ship will set sail to Kom Ombo around the lunchtime. Disembark at Kom Ombo to visit the twin Temple of Horus and Sobek. The right part of the temple is dedicated to Sobek (Crocodile deity), his consort Hathor and their son Khonsu. The left part of the temple is dedicated to Horus the Elder (Heru-ur or Haroeris), his consort Tasenetnofret (“the good sister”), and their son Panebtawy (the Lord of the Two Lands).

Enjoy a short visit to the Crocodile Museum before you go back to your river cruise to set sail to Edfu. Overnight in Edfu.

Before/after your breakfast, you will take a horse and carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. This temple is very intact, none of its elements are missing but the Sacred Lake and two obelisks. The Sacred Lake was on the east side of the temple but now vanished under the city’s modern houses. The two obelisks were located in front of the main gate of the temple. The Temple of Edfu is fully inscribed with reliefs and hieroglyphs on its exterior and interior walls.

Take your carriage back to your cruise ship to set sail to Luxor via the Lock of Esna. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will visit the massive Temple of Karnak and the majestic Temple of Luxor. These temples were dedicated to the Theban Triad; Amun, Mut and Khonsu. Overnight in Luxor.

Disembarkation, followed by visiting the magnificent Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried to hide their tombs from the grave robbers. From the Valley of the Kings to the unique temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled for about 20 years as a sole pharaoh. End your tour at the Colossi of Memnon of Amenhotep III.

Transfer to Luxor Airport to fly back to Cairo for a new segment of your 9-day Egypt itinerary. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel. 

Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Luxor

Unwind and rejuvenate in Siwa’s natural wonders! Today’s adventure begins with a dip in the Cleopatra Baths, legendary hot springs said to have been frequented by the famed queen herself. Let the warm, mineral-rich waters soothe your muscles and transport you to a bygone era.

Step back in time at the Temple of Amun, built by the legendary Alexander the Great. This majestic structure, dedicated to the Egyptian god Amun, stands as a testament to the fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures. Marvel at its imposing architecture and imagine the rituals and ceremonies that once took place within its walls.

Next, immerse yourself in the cool waters of Bir Wahid. This freshwater lake, a shimmering jewel at the edge of the Great Sand Sea, offers a refreshing respite from the desert heat. Swim, relax on the shore, or simply absorb the beauty of this natural oasis. Enjoy camping for a night in the desert.

Hold onto your adventurous spirit! Today’s exploration takes you back in time and deep into the desert’s embrace. First, step into the shadows of the 13th-century Shali Fortress. Climb its weathered walls, once a powerful stronghold guarding the oasis. Imagine the lives and stories woven into its crumbling bricks, whispering tales of pharaohs and caravans.

Enjoy some swimming in Siwa’s Salt Lakes. Siwa’s salt lakes shimmer like jewels in the desert, offering a surreal landscape that captivates the imagination. Transfer to your hotel to enjoy the final night of your 9-day Egypt itinerary and enjoy your dinner at the hotel.

Wrap up your 9-day Egypt itinerary with a transfer back to Cairo either to Cairo Airport or Cairo to hotels. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on your way to Cairo. It is really sad to leave, but feel free to contact us about your next adventure in Egypt.