12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria

The itinerary of 12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria 

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo

When you arrive at Cairo Airport, our representative will be there to greet you with a sign from egywonders Tours. You will then be taken to your hotel in an air-conditioned car. You will spend the night in Cairo.

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, and Dahshur

On the second day of 12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria, we will visit the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, and Dahshur.

Begin your day with breakfast before embarking on a tour to explore the renowned pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus. Afterward, make your way to the Great Sphinx, a fascinating monument that originates from the era of the Chephren. Additionally, don’t miss a visit to the Valley Temple of the Pyramids, and take advantage of several opportunities for remarkable photo stops along the way.

In order to visit Sakkara, Memphis, and Dahshur, your first stop will be Sakkara. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which dates back to 2600 BC during the 3rd Dynasty. This pyramid is significant as it is the oldest stone structure and was constructed for King Djoser. Additionally, within the same vicinity, you will find the Imhotep temple and the Mastaba of Ti.

Continue on to explore Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom and the original capital of the country. While in Memphis, take the opportunity to admire the grand statue of Ramses II.

During your journey south, you will have the opportunity to explore the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Dashsur.

If desired, enjoy an evening excursion to witness the mesmerizing sound and light spectacle at the Pyramid site.

Overnight in Cairo

Day 3: Museums and Khan El Khalili Tour

Begin your 3rd day of 12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria package with breakfast, followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Here, you will find an extraordinary exhibition showcasing a unique assortment of artwork spanning 5,000 years. This vast collection represents the largest and most valuable compilation of Egyptian art globally.

Next, proceed to the Manial Palace before proceeding to the Gayer Anderson Museum. 

Then move to Khan El Khalili’s old bazaar.

Transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo 

Day 4: Luxor East Bank

Start the 4th day of 12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria package with breakfast, then make your way to the domestic airport. Board a plane to Luxor, and once you arrive, you will be transferred to visit the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor.

The next activity on the itinerary is a trip to Luxor Temple, where we will have the opportunity to explore its courtyard and admire the impressive granite statues of Ramses the Great. Following that, we will continue our journey by bus to Karnak, a complex of temples constructed during various dynasties. Begin your journey at the Avenue of Sphinxes and explore attractions such as the Unfinished Propylon, the Hypostyle Hall with its impressive 134 columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut, and Tutomosis III. Additionally, discover the temple of Amon, embellished with exquisite lotus and papyrus patterns, the granite scarbeus of Amenophis III, and the revered Sacred Lake. 

Next, proceed to the Luxor Museum, and then proceed to your hotel afterwards. 

Overnight in Luxor 

Day 5: Luxor, West Bank

Begin your 5th day of 12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria package with a satisfying breakfast. Kickstart your tour by exploring the Valley of the Kings, an awe-inspiring architectural marvel that served as the final resting place for numerous kings. In this valley lie the burial sites of multiple monarchs, and you will have the opportunity to visit three tombs other than the Tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Proceed to visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a structure constructed by Queen Hatshepsut herself. She was the daughter of Thutmosis I and ruled Egypt for approximately 20 years during the 18th Dynasty, specifically from around 1490 to 1469 B.C. Notably, she is the sole female pharaoh to have governed ancient Egypt. During your visit, you will have a brief 15-minute stop at the Colossi of Memnon and also explore the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. Transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Luxor 

Day 6: Day Tour to Abydos and Dendera

Have breakfast and then go to Abydos, an ancient Egyptian site where it is believed that the god Osiris was buried. The temple in Abydos, known as the Seti I temple, was constructed by King Seti I and finished by King Ramses II. It is situated in the city of Abydos, around 420 km south of Cairo in the Sohag Government, and 135 km from Luxor. The paintings of the deities and pharaohs inside the Osiris Temple in Abydos are exceptionally well preserved and are considered some of the most stunning in Egypt.

Afterwards, proceed to Dendera, where you can explore the Temple of Hathor, a revered deity associated with love and happiness. Positioned in the northern region of Luxor, the temple offers a captivating experience. 

Transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Luxor  

Day 7: Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan

In the morning, have breakfast and then proceed to Edfu. You will be transported to visit the magnificent temple dedicated to the deity Horus, known as one of the best-preserved religious temples in Egypt.

According to Egyptian mythology, this was the location where the god Horus, who had the head of a falcon, sought revenge for the killing of his father Osiris by slaying Seth.

Next, proceed to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, situated on elevated land with a captivating view of the Nile. This temple sets itself apart from others thanks to its unique feature of having two entrances, each devoted to a specific god: Haroeris,” represented by a falcon-headed figure, and Sobek,” depicted with the head of a crocodile. 

The Temple of Kom Ombo was constructed as a tribute to two gods: Sobek, who had the head of a crocodile and was believed to bring fertility and create the world, and Haroeris, or Horus, an ancient deity with a falcon head. Additionally, the significance of Kom Ombo lies in its vast sugarcane production.

Then move to your hotel in Aswan.

Overnight in Aswan

Day 8: Abu Simbel

Start the 8th day of 12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria package with breakfast and then head out to visit the Temple of Abu Simbel. This magnificent temple, constructed by Ramses II during the XIXth Dynasty, is one of the most impressive ancient Egyptian monuments. It was also successfully rescued from being flooded by the Nile.

The temples were constructed using sandstone from a rocky cliff, and on the large front of each temple, there are carvings depicting the deities they were dedicated to. Close by, the Temple of Nefertari, the wife of the King, is also preserved, and it was dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Returning to Aswan.

Overnight in Aswan

Day 9: High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk

On the ninth day, we will visit the High Dam, the Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk.

Enjoy breakfast before beginning your excursion to the awe-inspiring High Dam, a remarkable feat of engineering constructed in 1960 to safeguard Egypt against the yearly inundations of the Nile River. 

Hatshepsut was a ruler of the 18th dynasty and the wife of King Tuthmosis II. This fascinating obelisk, known as the Unfinished Obelisk, allows visitors to observe the ancient Egyptian techniques of obelisk cutting. It is widely believed that this remarkable structure is linked to Queen Hatshepsut, who owned the Al Deir El-Bahari temple located on the eastern bank of Luxor. Some experts also speculate that it could be associated with another Nefertiti.Next, we visit the magnificent Philae Temple, constructed to pay homage to the deity Isis. Transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Aswan  

Day 10: Aswan-Cairo

After having breakfast, we will head to Aswan airport and board a flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will be transported to our hotel. We will spend the night in Cairo. 

You can choose to have dinner on a cruise ship along the Nile River, where you can also enjoy an Egyptian folk show.

Day 11: Alexandria Tour

In the morning, your hotel will be visited by our tour guide, who will accompany you to Alexandria. The tour will begin with a visit to the library of Alexandria, the largest library globally, housing a whopping 8 million books. You will have the opportunity to explore the library’s open court and enjoy its free museums. 

Please be aware that the Alexandria Library is not open on Fridays or any public holidays. Additionally, in order to access the reading area, you will be required to buy an additional ticket.

Next, take a trip to the location of the lighthouse. This magnificent structure, one of the Seven Wonders of ancient times, has been replaced by Qaitbey Castle.

Explore the royal gardens of King Farouk, the last ruler of Egypt, and witness the majestic palaces of Haramlek and Salamlek, along with the enchanting beaches reserved for the queens. Carry on your journey by visiting the magnificent Abbo Elabbas Mosque, renowned as the most beautiful and largest mosque in the city. Also, make sure to pay your respects at the memorial of the Unknown Soldier of Alexandria and marvel at the grand statue of Alexander the Great. 

Afterwards, there is the option to have lunch before heading to the church of St. Mark, which happens to be the oldest church in Africa. Following that, you can drive along the Cornish for 30 kilometers to get a panoramic view of Alexandria from the seaside. This view encompasses the old harbor of Alexandria, where an astounding 7,000 underwater monuments were discovered. 

Before heading back to your hotel in Cairo, make sure to make a stop at the renowned Stanley Bridge, a contemporary symbol of modern Alexandria. Take the opportunity to explore the historic downtown area and wander through the ancient city center, originally constructed by Alexander the Great. Enjoy a comfortable journey as you travel back to Cairo. 

If you have the time and desire to enhance your itinerary, Alexandria offers a plethora of sightseeing, sensations, culinary experiences, and shopping opportunities. Simply inform us of your interests, and we will gladly arrange these activities for you without any additional charges, ensuring that you only pay the exact cost price without any profit for us. 

Overnight in Cairo 

Day 12: Cairo-Departure

After having breakfast at the hotel, our representative will take you to the airport and help you with all the necessary processes until you are ready for your final departure. 

12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria  Includes:

• 5 hotel nights in Cairo with breakfast included

• Luxor hotel accommodations for a duration of three nights, including breakfast

• You will receive a hotel stay in Aswan for 3 nights, including breakfast.

• Experience a full-day excursion in Cairo, exploring the magnificent sights of the Giza Pyramids, Sakkara, and Dahshur.

• A one-day trip to Cairo where you can explore museums and the famous Khan El Khalili market

• One-day excursion in Luxor to explore the attractions on the eastern side of the city.

• A one-day trip to Luxor, where you can explore the attractions on the West Bank.

• 1 day tour visiting Abydos and Dendera

• 1 day tour visiting Edfu and Kom Ombo

• 1 day tour visiting Abu Simbel

• Explore the magnificent city of Aswan on a 1-day tour, where you can visit notable attractions such as the Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam.

• 1 day tour to Alexandria

• Pickup and drop-off services

• All transfers by modern AC cars

• A professional tour guide specializing in Egyptology and fluent in English

• All fees for entry to the sites mentioned

• Flights within Egypt: Traveling between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan can be done through domestic flights.

• All taxes and charges

12 days in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria  Excludes:

• If you so desire, we can arrange for your visa to be issued upon your arrival in Egypt.

• International Flights.

• Personal items.

• Tipping.

• In Egypt, we offer a comprehensive travel experience with extensive knowledge to meet all your needs. Discovering the top tourist destinations promises a delightful and enjoyable stay.

• There will be no changes to the price of the tour that was initially agreed upon and confirmed at the time of booking.

• The tour operators we hired not only made the necessary arrangements for our trip, but they are also giving us valuable tips on how to fully enjoy our time in Egypt and have a pleasant experience.

• We have an up-to-date selection of vehicles, which includes cars equipped with air conditioning, luxury limousines, durable pickup trucks, and spacious buses.

• We accept multiple secure payment methods, such as PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, bank transfers, and cash payments.

• As an Egyptian tourism company, we distinguish ourselves by providing customized choices for your tour guide, which sets us apart from other companies in the region.

• We provide travel authorizations that are available for individuals who have disabilities.

• In order to ensure your satisfaction during your time with our employees and tour guides, we have a meticulous and thoughtful selection process. We carefully evaluate not only their professional qualifications but also their personalities and ability to be enjoyable and attentive.

• When you book with us, we have the capability to customize your tour to include this aspect and fully accommodate your preferences. Just let us know your needs, and we will make sure to cater to them.

Hotel Rating in Egypt:

• Please be aware that the hotel rating system in Egypt differs from that in the USA or Europe. Therefore, we strongly suggest considering our Luxury or Ultimate Luxury hotel options as the minimum standard in Egypt. Some 5-star hotels in Egypt may have a lower standard compared to those in other regions, resembling more like 3- or 4-star hotels. We do not recommend staying at 3- or 4-star hotels, as we have received numerous complaints from our guests regarding their quality.

Visa Service:

• Avoid long lines and time-consuming processes upon arrival. Our representative will ensure your visa is ready in advance. Simply send us a copy of your passport.

• Attention: If you possess a valid Schengen, USA, or UK Visa, we can offer you visa assistance upon your arrival. There is no need for you to apply at the embassy in advance.

Traveling by overnight train is not recommended.

• We do not suggest it as a good option since the journey lasts for approximately 15 to 18 hours and the train is incredibly noisy. The toilets are in poor condition and emit unpleasant odors. The overall quality of the food is not satisfactory. 

Travel Insurance from AIG

• Enjoy a worry-free journey and ensure your safety by opting for the AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance program. For a duration of one week, the cost is $25 per person, while for trips lasting longer than one week, the price increases to $50 per person.

Domestic Flight Upgrade to Business Class

• Upgrade your mode of transportation to a luxurious van in order to enhance and improve your travel experience with a higher level of comfort.

• Exclusive deal: For an extra fee of only 50 dollars per individual, you have the opportunity to indulge in the top-notch features and services provided by Business Class. This includes ample leg space and comfortable seats, mouthwatering meals, and high-quality entertainment options.

Cruise schedule and Sailing times:

Occasionally, changes may occur in the Cruise itineraries, schedule, and sailing times along the Nile due to weather and sailing conditions. However, we guarantee that our clients will still have the opportunity to experience everything listed on their itineraries, although the order may vary.

Domestic flights:

The programs provide an estimate of the average cost and duration of domestic flights.

Extra fees may be added to flight tickets during peak seasons and if booked last minute, as they can become quite expensive without any prior warning. Asking for certain times for flights or making changes to reservations that have already been made may cause the total cost of the package to be adjusted.

Payment policy

We welcome all secure payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, and Wire Transfer.

Cruise schedule and Sailing times:

Occasionally, changes may occur in the Cruise itineraries, schedule, and sailing times along the Nile due to weather and sailing conditions. However, we guarantee that our clients will still have the opportunity to experience everything listed on their itineraries, although the order may vary.

Children’s policy:

1. Under 2 years free of charge.

2. During the period of 2 to 5 years, a quarter of the trip cost is paid.

3. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 will be charged half of the tour’s total cost.

4. 12+: Pay the full round price per adult.

Additional Entry Tickets

There are additional charges for certain archaeological sites on tours, such as exploring inside a pyramid to view burial chambers and visiting the Mummies Room at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Entrance to the Tomb of Tutankhamun in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings also requires an extra fee.

Alexandria Trip

Please be aware that the Alexandria Library is not open on public holidays. Additionally, in order to access the reading area, it is necessary to obtain an additional ticket.

Essential Packing

You will require comfortable, flat shoes (ideally with a covering) when visiting the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings. Don’t forget to also pack flip flops or sandals to wear on the Nile felucca or Nile Cruiser.