Cairo, Cruise & Coast
Discover the best of Egypt and its ancient wonders on this 13 day adventure. Marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza, visit Dendera's exquisite Temple of Hathor and explore Luxor's Valley of the Kings, before cruising the River Nile to Aswan and relaxing by the Red Sea in beautiful Hurghada.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Optional Backstreets Of Cairo Tour
Day 1 Optional Backstreets Of Cairo Tour
Sunday. Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax by the hotel pool, or those arriving early, opt to join our unique Backstreets tour of Cairo which departs the hotel at 10am today. This optional tour takes you off the beaten track in Egypt's bustling capital, visiting Downtown Cairo, the exquisite mosques and monuments of El Moez Street in Islamic Cairo, Garbage City and the incredible Cave Church of St. Simon.
At 7pm this evening meet your guide and the rest of the group at a Welcome Meeting.
Note: If you would like to extend your stay we offer an Alexandria Day Trip on the Saturday before your tour starts, and we can arrange pre tour accommodation as well, please enquire.
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Today see the incredible pyramids and the iconic Sphinx at The Giza Plateau. Perhaps opt to ride a camel. Later we travel to Saqqara, to explore the myriad of tombs and temples at the site and see Zhoser's step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC.
Day 3 Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 3 Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Luxor. We take a guided tour of the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this morning. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex we'll discover a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Then we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the incredible Royal Mummies' Hall where 20 mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are now on display. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the pool at the hotel before we board the overnight sleeper train to Luxor this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Day 4 Luxor & Dendera
Day 4 Luxor & Dendera
We arrive into Luxor this morning and drive to Dendera which is one of Egypt's best preserved temple complexes, located 60km north of Luxor. This vast complex covers 40,000 square meters and its temples, chapels and shrines were gradually built over thousands of years. Dendera's crowning glory is the 2000 year old Temple of Hathor with its exquisitely decorated ceiling. After our guided tour of this incredible site we return to Luxor where the afternoon if free to spend at leisure. Take a stroll around town or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool and soak up the sunshine.
This evening there is an optional visit to view the beautiful Temple of Luxor at night. Book and pay locally.
Day 5 Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temples
Day 5 Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temples
4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its very best and this morning we visit Luxor’s famous West Bank. Our first stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, which is studded with beautifully decorated tombs, including the tombs of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II and of course, King Tutankhamen. After exploring this incredible site we travel on to visit the beautiful limestone, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, who was one of only three Egyptian ruling queens. On the West Bank we'll also see the imposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, which are all that remains of the temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III.
Returning to the East Bank we check-in on board a 5 star Nile cruiser which will be our home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch and some rest and relaxation on board before we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak later this afternoon. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.
Day 6 Nile Cruising
Day 6 Nile Cruising
Nile cruising. Today we set sail downstream. Relax on deck and go for a swim, soak up the sunshine and enjoy the views as we cruise the River Nile.
Day 7 Nile Cruising - Kom Ombo Temple
Day 7 Nile Cruising - Kom Ombo Temple
Nile cruising - Aswan. Enjoy another day relaxing on board the cruiser as we sail the Nile to the Temple of Kom Ombo today, which is dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. This temple is unusual because everything is architecturally is doubled and perfectly symmetrical along the main axis of the temple including twin halls, courts, colonnades, sanctuaries and entrances. After a guided tour of the temple we continue our journey, arriving into Aswan this evening.
Day 8 Aswan, Abu Simbel & the Philae Temple
Day 8 Aswan, Abu Simbel & the Philae Temple
Consider the optional early morning excursion to the Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel today. Please see our Abu Simbel by Road add-on for more info. Alternatively you can spend the morning at leisure in Aswan.
This afternoon a short boat trip to Agilika Island give us the opportunity the to visit Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple dates from 4th century BC but the Ptolomies and the Romans up to 3rd century AD built most of the existing structures. In danger of being completely submerged by the rising water of Lake Nasser, in 1972 UNESCO stepped in and an 8-year rescue effort was undertaken to relocate the entire temple 20m higher on nearby Agilika Island.
Day 9 Aswan to the Red Sea
Day 9 Aswan to the Red Sea
Aswan - Hurghada. Today we disembark our cruiser and drive to Hurghada (approx 7hrs drive) for three nights by the Red Sea.
Days 10-11 Hurghada by the Red Sea
Days 10-11 Hurghada by the Red Sea
The next two days are free for you to relax by the Red Sea. Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts areas and offers excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Hurghada’s central location provides a gateway to prime offshore reefs, some of which are of the finest in the world. Hurghada also has plenty of good nightlife to choose from. Soak up the sunshine by the pool or by the beach, swim in the sea and take a stroll around town, the choice is yours. On day 10 there is an optional snorkelling trip available to book locally.
Days 12-13 Cairo
Days 12-13 Cairo
Hurghada - Cairo. On day 12 we bid farewell to the Red Sea and fly back to Egypt's bustling capital where we spend the last night of our Egyptian adventure at leisure.
On day 13 (Friday) our tour comes to an end with a transfer to Cairo Airport for your onward flight.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.
M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.
M/S Miriam is a beautiful Nile cruise boat offering 59 spacious cabins. Onboard you'll find a fantastic restaurant serving both international and Egyptian cuisine. As your cruiser makes it's way along the mighty Nile river, take the opportunity to relax on deck and watch the changing scenery or perhaps indulge in a book.
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.
Tour Reviews
The Egypt tour was fantastic. Our guide Momo was the perfect mix of knowledge and fun. He expertly drew our group together, we really did feel like a family. I felt safe, confident and well looked after the whole time. It took me a while to find the airport rep, but once I did it was all good.
Hello, Without a doubt, this trip was the best tour ever! Right from the very beginning of the trip, landing in Cairo Muhammad was waiting at the arrivals for us. He was so warm and welcoming and really made the arrival so smooth for us. What we really appreciated was considering we were travelling between cities after our tour guide concluded our section of the tour, that at every point, a representative from On The Go Tours was always waiting for us at the destination. It made the whole trip run so smoothly and gave us comfort knowing we were taken care of. When we started the tour we were in Cairo and were welcomed by Muhammad and when we arrived back in Cairo at the end of our trip we once again was welcomed by Muhammad - it was so good to have a familiar face. He then took us to the hotel for the night then picked us up the next day and took us to the airport. It was great having the same person. Now to the tour guide, Sherrif - you could not ask for a more knowledgeable and kind genuine person. He knew he stuff big time! Every question we had he could answer. We really appreciated that he would explain the main parts of the attraction we were visiting, then we had free time to explore. This made the whole tour not feel rushed at all. Sherif was with us the whole time and really became part of our family. This has been our first tour and will definitely not be the last. We will make sure we book another tour with On The Go for sure!
Was such a great trip - Sheriff was such a knowledgeable and friendly guide who made our trip.
The On the Go tour was one of the worst experiences we've ever had traveling. All of the hotel and food choices were tremendously low quality, and we were led to believe that all hospitality and food options in Egypt are bad, and to just set our expectations low. However, I've had several friends go to Egypt this year and have the most amazing and luxurious time, for less than the price we paid on our tour. I firmly believe we got ripped off with the price of this Egypt package - I'm not sure what our money went to, because it was clearly not the hotels, food, and cruise ship. We will be staying away from On the Go Tours and do not recommend it to friends and family.
Unforgettable tour, I had a wonderful trip filled with interesting facts, figures and so much fun. I met so many wonderful people and made some life long friends in our group.The group consisted of couples and single travellers young and old. The food was great the hotels clean and comfortable. We were met at the airport on arrival by Emil and taken through to our transport.From then on we always had someone looking out for us.This was very comforting for my sister and I knowing we had someone to rely on at any time. Our tour guide Momo was wonderful.So knowledgeable, patient ,funny, very thoughtful and protective of the group at all times. Momo made the trip even more enjoyable in my opinion. I would not hesitate for a single second to recommend On The Go tours to my friends and family. Thanks for a wonderful trip.
Extras and add-ons
Alexandria Day Trip
Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day trip (including lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, a fortress, souks and relics from a bygone age.
Abu Simbel by Road
Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.
Backstreets of Cairo
Discover some of Cairo’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and get off the beaten track on this Backstreets of Cairo tour. Stroll through the bustling Downtown and explore the beautiful mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo’s spectacular El Moez Street, before bartering for goods at Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Then learn about the life of the Zabbaleen waste pickers before visiting the famous Cave Church of St Simon.
Tour Upgrades
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