Cairo: 11-Day Egyptian Highlights with Nile Cruise & Balloon
Old Cairo, Cairo
See Egypt end to end on an 11-day tour. Enjoy Giza and the Egyptian Museum, Hurghada islands, a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Mount Sinai, and a hot air balloon over Luxor.
This 11-day Egypt tour starts in Cairo and suits travelers seeking a combination of ancient sites, Nile cruising, Red Sea beaches, and desert adventures.
Highlights
- Stand before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza
- Cruise the Nile in 5-star comfort from Luxor to Aswan
- Explore Abu Simbel’s rock-cut temples
- Float in a hot air balloon over Luxor at sunrise
- Visit Karnak Temple's forest of columns
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo – Pyramids, Museum, Dinner Cruise
Arrive at Cairo Airport and meet your representative. Explore the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, including a camel ride. Visit the Egyptian Museum, then rest at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner on a Nile cruise with a folkloric show.
Day 2: Fly to Hurghada – Red Sea Check-in
After breakfast, take a flight to Hurghada. On arrival, transfer to your beach hotel for check-in.
Day 3: Hurghada – Orange or Paradise Island
Take a boat trip to Orange Island or Paradise Island depending on availability. Swim in clear waters and relax on white sand. Return to your hotel by 5 pm.
Day 4: Drive to Luxor – West Bank and Cruise Boarding
Drive to Luxor after breakfast. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Enjoy a felucca sail on the Nile before boarding your 5-star cruise for lunch and overnight.
Day 5: Balloon at Sunrise – Luxor East Bank – Sail to Edfu
Early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Tour Karnak and Luxor Temples with a private guide. Rejoin the cruise and sail to Edfu.
Day 6: Edfu and Kom Ombo – Nile Sailing
Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu by carriage. Sail to Kom Ombo to explore the double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Continue sailing south with onboard meals.
Day 7: Abu Simbel – Nubian Village – Fly to Cairo
Early departure to Abu Simbel temples of Ramses II and Nefertari by air-conditioned vehicle. Visit a Nubian Village and have an Egyptian lunch. Fly back to Cairo and check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Alexandria Day Trip
Drive to Alexandria after breakfast. Visit Kom el Shoqafa catacombs, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Qaitbay Citadel on the Mediterranean. Return to Cairo in the evening.
Day 9: Fly to Sharm El Sheikh – Mount Sinai Night Ascent
Fly to Sharm El Sheikh, check in, and rest. At night, hike to Mount Sinai summit in the Sinai Desert.
Day 10: St Catherine Area – Sharm Leisure
Descend from Mount Sinai at sunrise. Visit the St Catherine area as available, then return to Sharm El Sheikh for leisure.
Day 11: Fly to Cairo – Tour Ends
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your accommodation.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English guide (Spanish, German, or French guides available at extra cost)
- 3 nights' accommodation in Cairo
- Flight tickets within Egypt
- 3-night accommodation on a 5-star standard Nile cruise (Deluxe or Luxury options available)
- 2 nights' accommodation in Hurghada
- 2 nights' accommodation in Sharm El Sheikh
- Hot air balloon ride over Luxor
Excludes
- Entry fees
- Drinks, including water
- Tips
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book early to secure domestic flights and hot air balloon rides. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera. The ideal time to visit is between October and April for mild temperatures.
