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Registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, licence no. 1995 — a number you can check before you pay anyone anything.
Egypt · Package
8 Days Cairo and Dahabiya Cruise Tour Package
About 8 Days Cairo and Dahabiya Cruise Tour Package
This well-crafted itinerary offers an enchanting 8-day journey through Egypt, combining the cultural wonders of Cairo with the tranquility of a luxurious dahabiya cruise on the Nile. Starting in Cairo, you’ll marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Djoser Pyramid, followed by a rich exploration of the Egyptian Museum and bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar. From Aswan, your dahabiya cruise takes you along the Nile, with stops at Kom Ombo, Gebel Silsila, Edfu, and the quaint El Kab village. Each day offers immersive experiences, from horse-drawn carriage rides and local village walks to breathtaking sunset views and historic temple visits. The journey concludes in Luxor with a visit to the legendary Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, before returning to Cairo for your departure. With seamless transitions, authentic meals, and exceptional guidance, this itinerary is an exquisite balance of history, culture, and luxury.
Day by day
01 Day 1: Arrival in Cairo - Welcome to Egypt
Welcome to the mystical lands of Egypt, where the Pharaohs ruled for thousands of years. Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, your tour manager will meet and assist you and ease the process by providing an entry visa. You will then be escorted through the bustling streets of Cairo in an exclusive air-conditioned vehicle.
Once you reach the luxurious boutique hotel, Le Riad Hotel de Charme Cairo, tucked in the heart of Old Islamic Cairo, your tour manager will assist you with your check-in and double-check your itinerary with you to establish and confirm all the pick-up times for all your activities during your trip.
Overnight in Cairo.
Welcome Drink.
02 Day 2: Visiting the Pyramids & Sakkara
After enjoying a delicious wholesome Egyptian breakfast at Zeeyara, one of Cairo’s most charming restaurants—located on the rooftop of the boutique Hotel Le Riad de Charme, your personal guide will take you to the Giza Plateau to start your journey by marveling at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Walk or take a camel over to the iconic Sphinx and Valley Temple. After your pyramids visit, you’ll go for lunch at an authentic Egyptian restaurant and then head over to the Sakkara district to visit the Sakkara Complex and the first pyramid ever built, the Djoser Pyramid.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
03 Day 3: Cairo Sightseeing
Enjoy another delicious Egyptian breakfast at Zeeyara restaurant on the rooftop of your hotel. The first stop in Cairo is visiting the Egyptian Museum, in the heart of historic Downtown Cairo, overlooking the infamous Tahrir Square. After relishing over the magnificent ancient Egyptian artifacts and treasures, you’ll head out to have lunch at a local restaurant, frequented by locals. After lunch, you will be driven to Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s oldest bazaar, if there is time.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
04 Day 4: Flying to Aswan and Embark your Dahabiya
Today, you will be leaving Cairo and head out to the colorful and cheerful city of Aswan. You will meet your tour manager early in the morning at your hotel where he will accompany you to Cairo Airport for your trip to Aswan. Upon landing in Aswan, you will be assisted and whisked away in an exclusive air-conditioned vehicle to embark on your Dahabiya—two of Ashranda's most luxurious dahabiyas that offer a high level of privacy. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board your dahabiya while sailing to Kom Ombo.
Touch down on the shores of Kom Ombo and walk through the town of Kom Ombo among the locals of the town until you arrive at the unusual Kom Ombo temple with its two identical entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. After your visit, head back to your dahabiya where you will enjoy an appetizing dinner.
Overnight aboard your Dahabiya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
05 Day 5: Sailing to Gebel El Silsila
Enjoy another delicious breakfast on board your luxurious dahabiya while sailing to today’s destination, Gebel Silsela. Upon your arrival at the ancient quarries of Silsela, visit the mystical rock-cute Temple of Hormoheb, and then, hike to the top of Silsela Mountain and relish in a truly breathtaking view. Head back to your dahabiya and enjoy a peaceful sail to Fawaza Island during lunchtime. Enjoy some tea on the sun deck as you take in the magnificent sunset view before having an appetizing dinner on board.
Overnight aboard your Dahabiya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
06 Day 6: Sailing to Edfu
Another yet delicious breakfast on board to start your day as you sail to your next destination, Edfu. Head out and visit Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples of the Greco Roman era, that of Horus at Edfu. Enjoy a magnificent experience as you take a horse-drawn carriage ride back and forth to the temple and marvel at Upper Egypt’s local life. Pass through the slow-paced, rural life of the local farmers and fishermen. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking lush, fertile landscapes dotted with banana and date palm trees.
After returning to your dahabiya, enjoy a hearty lunch as you sail to your next stop, El Kab village, where you will visit El Kab Temple. Take a walk on your way back after visiting the temple and take in the picturesque village full of mud-brick houses. Return once again to your dahabiya and enjoy a warm, delicious dinner surrounded by the calm, serene water of the Nile River.
Overnight aboard your Dahabiya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
07 Day 7: Sailing to Esna & Luxor
Enjoy your last morning on your dahabiya with a mouth-watering breakfast while sailing to Esna. Upon arrival at Esna, disembark your dahabiya and your Nile journey. Get whisked away through the streets of Luxor and arrive at your last visit on your journey. Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple and the iconic Valley of the Kings— the most famed collection of Pharaonic royalty’s elaborate tombs.
After taking in the mighty spirit of the shining city of Luxor, you will get transferred to Luxor Airport where you will catch your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, your tour manager will meet you and transfer you back to your luxurious boutique hotel at the heart of the buzzing city of Cairo.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast.
08 Day 8: Final Departure
This is the last day of your journey in the land of pharaohs. Enjoy one last authentic Egyptian breakfast in the magical lands of Egypt at Zeeyara restaurant. Then, you will be transferred through the buzzing streets of Cairo to Cairo International Airport for your final departure back to your homeland.
Meals: Breakfast.
What's in the price, and what isn't
Included
- Meet and Assist service at the Airport.
- All Transfers by a private A/C vehicle.
- Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo with breakfast.
- Accommodation for 4 nights on Dahabiya on full board.
- Domestic Flights (Cairo to Aswan - Luxor to Cairo)
- Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary.
- English-speaking tour guide during the visits.
- Bottled water during the visits.
- All service charges and taxes.
Not included
- Entry Visa to Egypt
- Any Optional tours.
- All personal Expenses.
- Tipping (Recommend).
Asked and answered
How much will it cost to tour Egypt?
The cost of touring Egypt depends on the type of experience you want. Budget travelers can spend as little as $50 to $100 per day, while luxury tours may range between $200 and $400 daily. At Egy Vacations, we offer customized packages, starting from affordable group tours to exclusive private adventures
Is it safe to tour Egypt now?
Yes, Egypt is safe to visit! The government prioritizes the safety of tourists, and popular areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are secure and welcoming. With Egy Vacations, we ensure a smooth and worry-free experience from the moment you arrive.
How many days do you need to tour Egypt?
For a comprehensive experience, 7 to 10 days is ideal. This allows you to explore Cairo, the Pyramids, Luxor, and Aswan, and even enjoy some relaxation by the Red Sea. Shorter itineraries of 3–5 days can also cover key highlights, perfect for travelers with limited time.
Which month is best to visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, from October to April. This period offers pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing at the Pyramids and the ancient temples of Upper Egypt.
Is Egypt safe for female tourists?
Absolutely. Female tourists will find Egypt to be safe, especially if they respect local customs and dress modestly in more conservative areas. Joining guided tours like those offered by Egy Vacations adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.
Is Egypt cheap or expensive?
Egypt is generally affordable, especially compared to many other popular tourist destinations. While luxury experiences and accommodations can be costly, local food, transportation, and sightseeing are budget-friendly. At Egy Vacations, we aim to deliver unforgettable experiences within your budget.
Why book with us
Licensed, local, andone WhatsApp away.
We are not a marketplace reselling someone else's tours. The consultant who plans your itinerary is the same person who answers when you message from Luxor at midnight.
Our own guides
Licensed Egyptologists lead every excursion, named in your confirmation, working for us rather than for a subcontractor.
Private by default
No group fillers and no shopping stops. Your party, your pace, and a day that can be rewritten the night before.
One itemised price
Entrance fees, transfers, taxes and internal flights sit inside the quote. Nothing is added at the temple gate.
Nothing to pay to enquire
A full day-by-day itinerary costs you nothing, and a 30% deposit is the first money that changes hands.
24/7 while you travel
One number, answered in Egypt, for the whole trip — not a call centre in another time zone.
Real travellers
5.0 on TripAdvisor,4.9 on Google.
Every quote is a real one, posted under the traveller's own name.
What a great team!
They helped me plan my day and arranged for an Egyptologist and driver to take me to all these places.
Had a great time
Thanks to well organised sightseeing and tour guide Ahmed who was professional and pleasant.
It was the best choice ever
We trusted EgyVacations for our trip to Egypt… They made our trip anxiety free, they solve every problem from our arrival to the airport till our departure.
How to book
Four steps, andno online checkout anywhere.
You talk to a travel consultant, they build your trip, and you only confirm when the itinerary is right.
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Tell us your dates
Your travel month, group size and what you'd like to see. Two minutes on the form, or a message on WhatsApp.
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Get an itinerary and quote
A consultant writes your day-by-day plan with hotels, guides and transfers, priced in your currency. Free, and yours to keep.
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Confirm when it's right
Adjust it as many times as you like. Nothing is booked and nothing is charged until you say the itinerary is right.
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Travel with support
You're met at the airport, and your consultant stays reachable 24/7 for the whole trip — the same person, not a call centre.
Good to know
Travel tips from the peoplewho run the trips.
Pick a question on the left. We answer it the way we would answer it on the phone — with the numbers, and with what we would actually do.
When to go
The comfortable half of the year runs October to April: 20–28 °C in Luxor and Aswan, which is what open-deck sailing and three hours inside a temple actually require.
Daytime20–28 °C
CrowdsPeak Nov–Feb
PricesHighest Dec–Jan
- March and April keep the weather and lose the crowds — the best value window.
- June to August is much cheaper, but afternoons pass 42 °C and excursions run at dawn.
- Christmas and New Year need a 50% deposit, because the cruisers ask us for one too.
Our tip
Book three to four months out for November to February. For a dahabiya, make it four — they carry twelve people and the good cabins go first.
Visas and entry
Most nationalities — US, UK, EU, Australian and Canadian included — get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, or online as an e-Visa before they fly.
VisaOn arrival
CostUS$25
Valid30 days
- Your passport needs six months’ validity from the day you land.
- The e-Visa is worth doing if you land late — it saves the queue at the bank window.
- We meet you before passport control and handle the paperwork with you.
Our tip
Carry the $25 in cash. The visa window at Cairo takes dollars and gives change in Egyptian pounds, and the card machine is not always working.
Money and tipping
Hotels, cruisers and restaurants take Visa and Mastercard. Markets, tips and small cafés are cash. We quote in US dollars and can invoice in EUR, GBP or AUD.
CardsHotels & cruisers
CashMarkets & tips
QuotesUS dollars
- Tipping is customary, never obligatory, and never inside your price.
- As a guide: $8–10 a day for your guide, $5 for your driver.
- Small notes are worth more than large ones — change is scarce everywhere.
Our tip
Change a little at the airport and the rest at your hotel. Street exchange offices quote well and pay badly.
What to pack
Light cotton for the days, one layer for the evenings, and shoes you can walk a temple in. Everything else you can buy here for less than you paid at home.
DaysLight cotton
EveningsOne warm layer
SitesClosed shoes
- Shoulders and knees covered for mosques — a scarf does the job for both.
- A hat and high-factor sun cream matter more than anything else on this list.
- Deck evenings on the Nile get genuinely cool from December to February.
Our tip
Leave room in the case. Cotton, spices and a hand-made galabeya cost a fraction of the airport price in Khan El Khalili, and your guide will tell you the real one.
Getting around
Cairo to Luxor is an hour by air and ten by road, so almost every itinerary flies it. Between Luxor and Aswan the river is the road, and your room moves with you.
Cairo → Luxor1 hour, by air
Luxor → Aswan3–4 nights
TransfersAll included
- Every transfer, domestic flight and entrance fee sits inside your quote.
- A private car and driver waits for you — no taxis, no haggling, no surprises.
- The sleeper train exists and we will book it, but it is slower and not cheaper.
Our tip
Sail Luxor to Aswan rather than the reverse if you can choose. You go upstream against the current, which means slower, longer afternoons on deck.