NB-03 · Tour Package · 10 days
Egypt Complete: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel
This 10-day itinerary provides a comprehensive first-time journey through Egypt's Pharaonic history. It is a well-paced classic route designed for efficient operations and broad client appeal, combining Cairo with a Nile cruise and the overland trip to Abu Simbel.
Quick answer
A 10-day classic cultural tour of Egypt covering Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Luxor via a Nile cruise. This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors and culture-focused travellers seeking a comprehensive overview of ancient Egypt. Nourbelle DMC provides all ground services including transport, guiding, cruise arrangements, and airport assistance.
Key facts
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Starts Cairo, ends Luxor
- First-time visitors, culture-focused clients
- Ideal for private FITs and scheduled small groups
- Available with 4-star, 5-star, and luxury hotels
- English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & more
Program Overview
This 10-day programme is an ideal foundational itinerary for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive immersion into Egypt's ancient Pharaonic history. Crafted for efficient operations and broad client appeal, it suits tour operators looking for a classic route that balances in-depth sightseeing with comfortable pacing for individual clients or small group departures. This tour offers a complete and logical journey through the country's most iconic archaeological treasures.
The programme combines the essential wonders of Cairo and Giza, a classic 4-night Nile tour from Aswan to Luxor (including stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu), and the significant overland journey to Abu Simbel. The well-paced itinerary, with its combination of city exploration, Nile cruising, and remote site visits, provides a thorough and engaging experience for clients.
Operational & Trade Notes
Nourbelle DMC understands the operational needs of our partners. This program is designed with flexibility, allowing for customisation of hotel categories and adjustments to daily sightseeing order in Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. We coordinate domestic flights (Cairo-Aswan) for seamless ground handling. Nile cruise allotments are secured based on booking requests, and specific vessels are confirmed post-booking.
Plan This Program
Enhance your offerings with this flagship Egypt tour. It can be seamlessly extended with a Red Sea stay or combined with Jordan. For alternative premium options, consider our Luxury Egypt: Cairo & Premium Nile Cruise or more in-depth journeys like Pharaohs & Temples and Grand Egypt by Dahabiya. To receive confidential net rates for this product (NB-03), please request trade rates via our online form, specifying dates, group size, and desired hotel category.
Why this tour works for your clients
- A complete and logical route for first-time visitors.
- Includes all three key areas: Cairo, the Nile Valley, and Abu Simbel.
- Well-paced 10-day duration balances sightseeing with travel time.
- Flexible structure suitable for private travel or small group departures.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Cairo
Arrival in Cairo
Airport meet & assist · Transfer to hotel
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI), your clients are personally welcomed by a Nourbelle representative before they reach the immigration counters. Our uniformed staff provides an exclusive meet-and-greet service, assisting with visa-on-arrival procedures and then guiding them to the baggage claim. Once luggage is collected, they are escorted to a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a smooth and comfortable transfer to their hotel. Our representative ensures a seamless check-in process. The remainder of the day is at leisure for clients to acclimate and relax after their journey. No meals are included, providing flexibility on their first evening in Cairo.
Meals: — · Overnight: Cairo
Day 2 · Cairo
Giza Pyramids & Egyptian Museum
Pyramids of Giza · Great Sphinx · Egyptian Museum
After breakfast, clients meet their private, university-qualified Egyptologist guide at their hotel. The day begins with a transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Giza Plateau. Here, they will stand in awe before the Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, as their guide unravels the history and mysteries of these ancient wonders. In the afternoon, the journey through history continues at the Egyptian Museum. Our guide expertly navigates the vast collection, highlighting key masterpieces, including the world-renowned treasures of Tutankhamun. This guided visit is essential for understanding the context of the artifacts. At the conclusion, we provide a private transfer back to their hotel.
Meals: B · Overnight: Cairo
Day 3 · Cairo → Aswan
Old Cairo & Flight to Aswan
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar · Domestic flight to Aswan
This morning, clients delve into the vibrant atmosphere of Islamic Cairo. Following breakfast, their guide will lead them through the bustling lanes of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a sensory experience filled with workshops and merchants. Afterwards, Nourbelle manages the seamless transition to the next leg of their journey. We provide a private, air-conditioned transfer to Cairo Airport for their domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival at Aswan Airport (ASW), another dedicated Nourbelle representative will be waiting to greet them, handle luggage, and escort them to their hotel. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Aswan's Nile riverfront.
Meals: B · Overnight: Aswan
Day 4 · Aswan → Abu Simbel → Aswan
Overland to Abu Simbel
Temples of Abu Simbel
An early start is required for the overland journey to Abu Simbel. Clients travel south through the desert in a private vehicle. The destination is the pair of rock-cut temples built by Ramses II, one for himself and a smaller one for his queen, Nefertari. The guide will explain the history of the temples and the impressive engineering feat of their relocation in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After the visit, clients return to their hotel in Aswan for the evening.
Meals: B · Overnight: Aswan
Day 5 · Aswan
Aswan Sightseeing & Nile Cruise Embarkation
High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Philae Temple · Nile Cruise embarkation
After breakfast and check-out, clients embark on a tour of Aswan’s most significant sites with their guide in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. The itinerary includes the impressive High Dam, a modern engineering marvel, and the Unfinished Obelisk, which offers insight into ancient quarrying techniques. A highlight is the visit to the beautiful Temple of Philae, which Nourbelle arranges to access via a short motorboat ride. Following the tour, we transfer clients directly to their Nile cruise ship for embarkation. Our team will assist with check-in, after which they can enjoy lunch and dinner on board while the ship remains docked in Aswan.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (Aswan)
Day 6 · Nile Cruise
Sailing to Kom Ombo & Edfu
Temple of Kom Ombo · Temple of Edfu
The cruise begins its journey north downriver. The first stop is the Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two gods: the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus the Elder. The guide will lead the tour through its symmetrical halls. Back on board, the ship continues sailing to Edfu. Here, clients visit the Temple of Horus, the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. The day combines guided exploration with time to relax on the sun deck and observe the river life.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (sailing)
Day 7 · Nile Cruise
Sailing to Luxor
Esna Lock crossing · Arrival in Luxor
Today is a full day of relaxation and scenic cruising as the ship sails north towards Luxor. After breakfast on board, clients can enjoy the ship's amenities, such as the sundeck and pool, while watching the timeless landscapes of the Nile Valley glide by. A key operational highlight is the passage through the Esna Lock, a fascinating feat of engineering that our vessel navigates during the journey. This day of leisure provides a perfect interlude to rest and absorb the tranquil beauty of rural Egypt. All meals are served on board. Nourbelle’s logistical oversight ensures an evening arrival and docking in Luxor.
Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (Luxor)
Day 8 · Luxor
Luxor's West Bank & Disembarkation
Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon
Following a final breakfast on board, clients will complete the disembarkation process, with our team on hand to assist. Their private Egyptologist guide and air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting at the jetty to begin the day’s tour of Luxor’s West Bank. The exploration begins in the famed Valley of the Kings, where the guide provides deep insights as clients enter several magnificent royal tombs. The tour proceeds to the stunning, terraced Temple of Hatshepsut and concludes with a photo stop at the colossal statues of Memnon. Afterwards, Nourbelle facilitates a smooth transfer and check-in at their Luxor hotel.
Meals: B · Overnight: Luxor
Day 9 · Luxor
Luxor's East Bank
Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple
After breakfast at the hotel, clients meet their guide for a captivating exploration of Luxor's East Bank. The tour begins at the Karnak Temple complex, the largest ancient religious site in the world. Our expert guide navigates the vast avenues, pylons, and the Great Hypostyle Hall, bringing the history of this sacred place to life. In a schedule operated by Nourbelle for maximum effect, the visit to Luxor Temple is timed for the late afternoon or early evening. This allows clients to witness the temple’s graceful columns become beautifully illuminated after sunset. Private, air-conditioned transfers are provided for all movements.
Meals: B · Overnight: Luxor
Day 10 · Luxor
Final Departure from Luxor
Transfer to airport
Clients will enjoy a final breakfast at their hotel. Depending on their international flight's departure time, the morning may be at leisure for relaxation or some last-minute shopping. At the pre-arranged time, a Nourbelle representative will meet them at the hotel lobby to commence the departure transfer. We provide a private, air-conditioned vehicle for the journey to Luxor International Airport (LXR), ensuring a punctual and stress-free experience. Our representative will assist with luggage and guide clients to the correct check-in area, providing seamless service until the very end of their extraordinary Egyptian tour.
Meals: B · Overnight: —
Meal basis: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Confirmed in your quote.
Included
- Meet and assist at all airports by Nourbelle representatives.
- All transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Accommodation for 9 nights as per the selected category.
- Meals as specified: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
- 4-night Nile cruise on a full-board basis.
- Services of a licensed, private Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing.
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary.
- Bottled water provided in the vehicle during transfers and tours.
Not included
- International airfare.
- Entry visa for Egypt.
- Domestic flights (unless specified as included in the final quote).
- Beverages during meals.
- Tipping for the guide, drivers, and cruise crew.
- Any optional tours or personal expenses.
Trade notes
- Flights: Itinerary requires a domestic flight (Cairo-Aswan), which is usually booked by Nourbelle as part of the ground package for operational consistency. International flights are not included.
- Nile Cruise: The cruise vessel is confirmed upon booking based on the requested category (standard, superior, luxury). Specific ship names are provided post-confirmation.
- Flexibility: The day-to-day sightseeing order in Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor can be adjusted. Hotel selections can be customised by budget and style. Abu Simbel can be offered by air as an optional supplement.
- Extensions: Easily extended with a Red Sea resort stay (Hurghada/Sharm El Sheikh), a Jordan combination tour, or a city break in Alexandria.
- Rates: To request confidential net rates, please use our online quote form, specifying tour code NB-03, preferred travel dates, group size, and hotel category.
Price upon request — net rates are shown after your agency is approved.
Frequently asked questions
Is the trip to Abu Simbel physically demanding?
The trip involves an early start and a long road journey (approx. 3 hours each way). The site itself is flat and easy to walk around. It is manageable for most fitness levels, but the long day should be noted.
Can we choose a specific Nile cruise ship?
You can request a travel category (e.g., 5-star standard, 5-star deluxe). We work with a portfolio of vetted ships in each category. The specific vessel is assigned based on availability for your dates and confirmed after booking.
Is it possible to fly to Abu Simbel instead of driving?
Yes, this is available as an optional supplement. It replaces the overland journey with flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel and back. This option significantly reduces travel time but operates on a limited flight schedule.
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is customary in Egypt. We provide partners with suggested tipping guidelines to share with clients, which can be handled individually or collected for distribution by the guide. It is not included in our net rates.
