Egypt in Depth: Cairo, Nile & Abu Simbel

Why this tour works for your clients

• Deeper Cairo exploration with a full day at Saqqara and Memphis.
• Includes the overland excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel.
• A more relaxed pace with two full days at leisure in Luxor.
• Logical flow from Cairo to Aswan and ending in Luxor for convenient international departures.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1 · Cairo

   Arrival in Cairo

   Meet and assist at Cairo International Airport (CAI) · Private transfer to hotel

   Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, your clients will be personally greeted by a Nourbelle representative before the immigration counters. We will expedite the process by assisting with their visa formalities, ensuring a seamless entry. Our representative will then escort them through baggage claim and customs, providing a stress-free transition into Egypt. A private, air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting to transfer them directly to their hotel for a smooth check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure for your clients to settle in, overcome jet lag, and anticipate the adventures ahead. This attentive arrival service sets the tone for a well-managed and comfortable journey.

   Meals: — · Overnight: Cairo

2. Day 2 · Cairo

   Giza Pyramids & Egyptian Museum

   Giza Plateau (Great Pyramids, Sphinx) · Egyptian Museum

   The day begins as clients are met by their private Egyptologist guide for an unforgettable journey to the Giza Plateau. Here, they will stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the enigmatic Sphinx. Their guide will provide rich historical context on the construction and purpose of these ancient wonders. In the afternoon, Nourbelle arranges a visit to the famed Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. Your clients will navigate the vast collection of Pharaonic antiquities with their guide, who will focus on key masterpieces, culminating in the dazzling treasures of Tutankhamun. All transfers are conducted in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for maximum comfort.

   Meals: B · Overnight: Cairo

3. Day 3 · Cairo

   Saqqara & Ancient Memphis

   Saqqara Necropolis (Step Pyramid of Djoser) · Memphis open-air museum

   Today, your clients join their private Egyptologist guide for an excursion that delves into the origins of pyramid building. Nourbelle provides a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the journey south of Cairo to Saqqara, the sprawling necropolis of ancient Memphis. The tour's centerpiece is the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest major stone structure. Your clients will also explore selected tombs of nobles, marveling at the detailed reliefs depicting ancient daily life. Following Saqqara, a short drive takes them to Memphis. Here, an open-air museum showcases artifacts from Egypt's former capital, including a magnificent colossal statue of Ramesses II. At the end of the tour, we provide a private transfer back to the hotel.

   Meals: B · Overnight: Cairo

4. Day 4 · Cairo → Aswan

   Flight to Aswan & Upper Egypt Sights

   Flight to Aswan (ASW) · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple on Agilkia Island

   Following an early breakfast, Nourbelle's services ensure a smooth transition to Upper Egypt. We provide a private transfer to Cairo Airport for the domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival at Aswan Airport, our local representative will greet your clients and transfer them to begin their sightseeing immediately with their Egyptologist guide. The tour starts with the Aswan High Dam, an impressive feat of modern engineering that reshaped Egypt's relationship with the Nile. From there, a short, scenic motorboat ride, operated for your clients, takes them to Agilkia Island. Here they will explore the beautiful Philae Temple, meticulously relocated and dedicated to the goddess Isis, before being transferred to their hotel for check-in.

   Meals: B · Overnight: Aswan

5. Day 5 · Aswan

   Abu Simbel Excursion & Cruise Embarkation

   Abu Simbel temples (by road) · Nile cruise check-in

   An early start is expertly managed by Nourbelle for the incredible overland journey to Abu Simbel. Traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, your clients will venture south through the desert to witness the magnificent twin temples of Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari. Their Egyptologist guide will illuminate the history of these UNESCO-listed marvels, including the monumental international effort to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. After ample time for exploration, the tour returns to Aswan. We then facilitate a seamless transition, transferring clients directly to their Nile cruise ship for check-in and embarkation. Lunch and dinner are served on board, commencing their cruise experience.

   Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (Aswan)

6. Day 6 · Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu

   Sailing & Temple of Kom Ombo

   Sailing to Kom Ombo · Temple of Kom Ombo

   Your clients will awaken to the gentle movement of the vessel as it sails downstream along the Nile. The morning is at leisure, offering a perfect opportunity to relax on the sun deck, enjoy the onboard facilities, and observe the timeless pastoral scenes of river life. In the afternoon, the cruise ship moors at Kom Ombo. The ship's guide will escort your clients to the unique double temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The visit also includes the nearby Crocodile Museum, which displays fascinating mummified specimens. Afterwards, clients re-board the ship to continue sailing towards Edfu as dinner is served.

   Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (Edfu)

7. Day 7 · Edfu → Luxor

   Edfu Temple & Sailing to Luxor

   Temple of Horus at Edfu · Crossing the Esna Lock

   This morning, the ship docks at Edfu. Nourbelle ensures a memorable local experience as clients are transported from the mooring to the temple by traditional horse-drawn carriage. They will visit the Temple of Horus, widely regarded as the best-preserved cult temple in all of Egypt. The guide will lead them through its imposing pylons and halls, decoding the stories within its hieroglyphs. Clients then return to the vessel for lunch as it sets sail for Luxor. A highlight of the afternoon's journey is the passage through the Esna Lock, an interesting feat of river navigation. The vessel will dock in Luxor for the night.

   Meals: B, L, D · Overnight: Nile Cruise (Luxor)

8. Day 8 · Luxor

   Disembarkation & Luxor's West Bank

   Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari · Colossi of Memnon

   After a final breakfast on board, your clients will disembark from their Nile cruise; a Nourbelle representative handles their luggage. With their Egyptologist guide, they cross to Luxor's legendary West Bank, the necropolis of ancient Thebes. The main focus is the Valley of the Kings, burial place of the New Kingdom pharaohs, with entry into three rock-cut tombs whose colors and decoration remain remarkably preserved. The tour continues to the dramatic terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, followed by a photo stop at the imposing Colossi of Memnon. Afterwards, we provide a private transfer to their Luxor hotel for check-in.

   Meals: B · Overnight: Luxor

9. Day 9 · Luxor

   Luxor's East Bank: Karnak & Luxor Temple

   Cruise check-out · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple

   After breakfast at the hotel, your clients are met by their Egyptologist guide for a full day on Luxor's East Bank. The first visit is the Karnak Temple complex, a vast city of temples built over 2,000 years. The guide leads them through its most striking features, including the awe-inspiring Great Hypostyle Hall. Clients then have free time to rest at the hotel during the midday heat. In the late afternoon, the tour continues to Luxor Temple, timed so clients experience its atmosphere as it is illuminated at dusk. Afterwards, we provide a private transfer back to their Luxor hotel.

   Meals: B · Overnight: Luxor

10. Day 10 · Luxor

    Luxor: Leisure, Hot Air Balloon, or Dendera & Abydos

    Free day · Optional: Dendera & Abydos Temples · Optional: Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank

    This day is at your clients' leisure, offering a welcome change of pace to relax or pursue personal interests. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, Nourbelle can arrange a spectacular early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor's West Bank, offering unparalleled views of the monuments at sunrise. For history enthusiasts, we can organize a full-day optional excursion to the remarkably preserved Temple of Hathor at Dendera and the sacred cult center of Osiris at Abydos. All optional tours are operated with private vehicles and expert guides. Alternatively, clients can simply enjoy the facilities of their hotel and explore Luxor independently.

    Meals: B · Overnight: Luxor

11. Day 11 · Luxor

    Luxor: Further West Bank Sites or Leisure

    Free day · Optional: Valley of the Nobles · Optional: Medinet Habu Temple

    A second full day at leisure provides further opportunity for your clients to delve deeper into Luxor's treasures. Nourbelle can arrange several fascinating optional tours to complement the main itinerary. They might choose to visit the Valley of the Nobles, famed for its tombs' vibrant and detailed scenes of ancient daily life, which contrast with the royal tombs. Another option is the artisans' village of Deir el-Medina, where the craftsmen who built the royal tombs lived. Alternatively, they can explore the massive mortuary temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu. Of course, they may also opt to simply relax or browse the local markets (souks) for souvenirs.

    Meals: B · Overnight: Luxor

12. Day 12 · Luxor

    Final Departure from Luxor

    Private transfer to Luxor International Airport (LXR)

    After a final breakfast in Luxor, your clients' journey through Egypt comes to a seamless conclusion. At a pre-arranged time coordinated with their flight schedule, a Nourbelle representative will meet them at their hotel to assist with check-out. They will then be chauffeured in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Luxor International Airport (LXR) for their departure. Our representative will assist with airport formalities up to the point of passport control, ensuring a smooth and stress-free end to their tour. This final transfer and assistance service marks the conclusion of our arrangements, leaving your clients with lasting memories of their in-depth Egyptian exploration.

    Meals: B · Overnight: —

Meal basis: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Confirmed in your quote.

Frequently asked questions