Experience the timeless beauty of Egypt on our classic 9 day Egypt tour with Nile cruise. This unforgettable journey brings together Cairo’s most iconic monuments and a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan — a full night longer on the river than most Egypt itineraries, giving you more sailing, more temples, and more time to simply watch the Nile drift by. Comparing lengths and routes? Explore our full range of 9 days Egypt tours.
Your adventure begins in Cairo, where you’ll stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, then come face-to-face with the treasures of Tutankhamun at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Then fly to Luxor to board your 5-star cruise and begin exploring ancient Thebes: mighty Karnak, the largest temple complex in the world; the beautiful Luxor Temple; the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings; and the Temple of Hatshepsut. As your ship sails south, discover the Temple of Horus at Edfu — the most intact temple in Egypt — and the unique twin Temple of Kom Ombo, before reaching Aswan for the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the lovely island Temple of Philae. Back in Cairo, a full day awaits with the Citadel of Saladin, the churches of Coptic Cairo, and the bustling lanes of Khan El-Khalili bazaar.
This Cairo Luxor Aswan Nile cruise package is ideal if you want a rich mix of history, scenery, and relaxation without rushing. With professional Egyptologist guides at every site, comfortable hotels, full-board cruising, and all domestic flights included, Egypt Best Vacations makes your 9 days in Egypt easy, memorable, and deeply rewarding.
When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, one of our representatives from “Egypt Best Vacations” will meet you and assist you through the arrival and visa procedures. Then enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax and get ready for the first full day of your 9 day Egypt tour with Nile cruise.
Meals Plan: No Meals Included
Your 9 days in Egypt truly unfold as your expert guide whisks you away from your Cairo hotel toward the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
At the Giza Plateau, explore the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure alongside the Great Sphinx. Khufu’s pyramid — the only ancient wonder of the world still standing — awaits you. Your Egyptologist guide will explain how the pyramids were built, why they were built, and the mysteries that still surround them.
Savor your lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Explore the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian treasures in one stunning modern complex. You’ll stand face-to-face with the full Tutankhamun collection and enjoy immersive galleries that bring Egypt’s history to life. Then, transfer back to your hotel.
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
A fabulous Nile cruise vacation beckons! After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport and fly to Luxor to embark on your 4-night Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Meet your guide just outside the arrival terminal at Luxor Airport.
Begin with mighty Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in the world, built by generations of pharaohs across 1,700 years. Its vast halls, towering columns, and sacred sanctuaries reveal the greatness of Thebes during the New Kingdom. Then continue to the majestic Temple of Luxor, one of the most beautiful ancient temples in Egypt. Built mainly by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, it is connected to Karnak by the ceremonial Avenue of the Sphinxes, and both temples honored the Theban Triad: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Then, board your cruise ship. Overnight in Luxor.
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast on board, cross to Luxor’s west bank. Begin with the magnificent tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in tombs cut deep into the mountain to hide them from grave robbers. Of the 65 tombs discovered in the valley, your guide will recommend the best three among those open to visitors.
Then continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, built for the female pharaoh who ruled as sole pharaoh for about 20 years, adopting the full regalia and imagery of a king. Her temple’s grand terraces rise elegantly against the cliffs of Deir El-Bahari. End your west bank tour at the giant Colossi of Memnon: these two colossal statues of Amenhotep III once stood in front of the main gate of his vast mortuary temple. Then return to your ship and set sail south toward Edfu via the Lock of Esna. Overnight in Edfu.
Optional tour: Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning over Luxor
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, take a horse-drawn carriage to Edfu’s Temple of Horus, built during the Greco-Roman era and the most intact temple in Egypt — fully inscribed with reliefs and hieroglyphs on its walls inside and out. This memorable stop adds great value to your 9 day trip to Egypt.
Back on board, sail on to Kom Ombo and explore the unique twin temple of Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Its symmetrical design, beautiful carvings, and riverside setting make it one of the most memorable stops on the Nile. Enjoy a short visit to the Crocodile Museum, which displays mummified crocodiles, statues, and artifacts linked to Sobek. Then the ship continues its journey south to Aswan. Overnight in Aswan.
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, begin your Aswan tour at the High Dam, a massive engineering marvel built in the 1960s to protect Egypt from floods and generate hydroelectric power. Next, drive to the granite quarry of the Unfinished Obelisk, where you’ll learn how the ancient Egyptians carved their obelisks and statues of gods and kings. Then take a motorboat to the incredible Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, goddess of love and magic. Built primarily during the Ptolemaic period, it was famously relocated stone by stone by UNESCO after the dams were built. Then, head back to your Nile cruise ship for a final night on the river.
Optional tour: Nubian Village Tour
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, disembark from your Nile cruise ship. Before your flight, you can join our optional tour to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari — the grand finale of Nubia, carved directly into the mountainside. Then take wing from Aswan, soaring back to Cairo, where the final chapter of your Egypt 9 day itinerary awaits. Transfer from Cairo Airport to your hotel.
Optional tour: Abu Simbel Temples Tour
Meals Plan: Breakfast Only
Following breakfast at your hotel, visit the Citadel of Saladin, built in 1172 to protect Cairo from the Crusaders. At the citadel, admire the White Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha, its most prominent feature. Continue to the Coptic Cairo district to visit the Hanging Church, one of the oldest and most famous Christian churches in Egypt, admired for its beautiful wooden ceiling, historic icons, and deep connection to Egypt’s Coptic heritage.
Continue to Abu Serga Church, also known as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. It is especially revered because tradition says the Holy Family stayed in a cave beneath the church during their journey through Egypt. End your Coptic Cairo tour at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest and most famous Jewish landmarks in Old Cairo, known for its rich history and the discovery of the Cairo Geniza, a remarkable collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts.
Culminate your day shopping at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, one of Cairo’s most famous historic markets — a vibrant maze of narrow lanes, colorful shops, handmade souvenirs, spices, jewelry, and lively cafés. Then return to your hotel for the final night of your Cairo Luxor Aswan Nile cruise package.
Meals Plan: Breakfast Only
Your journey concludes with a triumphant return to Cairo Airport. Board your flight with sand-dusted boots, sun-kissed skin, and a treasure trove of memories brimming with adventure. The call of the Sphinx may fade, but the echo of its riddles will forever guide your spirit. Feel free to contact us about your next adventure in Egypt.
Meals Plan: Breakfast Only
