7 Days Best of Egypt Tour from Abu Simbel to Alexandria w/ Private Sightseeing

Traveling through Egypt in a week might sound ambitious, but this 7-day, carefully curated journey promises to hit all the major highlights without feeling rushed. From the awe-inspiring temples of Luxor to the pyramids of Giza, and finally to the historic sites of Alexandria, this tour offers a comprehensive taste of Egypt’s ancient marvels.

What makes this trip special is the combination of luxurious Nile river cruising, expert guidance, and seamless logistics. You’ll enjoy private guided tours at key sites, ensuring you get in-depth insights you won’t find in guidebooks. Plus, most meals and entrance fees are included, making planning easier and budgets clearer.

That said, this tour is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, it might feel a bit intense—and you’ll need good footwear and stamina for some walking. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free Egypt experience without sacrificing comfort or depth.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package offers excellent value for the price
• Private guides provide personalized insights and a more intimate experience
• Seamless logistics make it manageable even for first-time visitors
• Diverse sites covered, from temples and tombs to pyramids and museums
• Luxury Nile cruise adds comfort and relaxation to the journey
• Well-balanced itinerary with optional activities for extra adventure

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Welcome to Aswan & Philae Temple

Your adventure begins in Aswan, a city famed for its scenic Nile views and ancient relics. You’ll be picked up from any port and taken on a guided tour of Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most picturesque and historically significant temples dedicated to Isis. The setting on Agilkia Island makes for a memorable photo backdrop.

Also included is a visit to the Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that altered the Nile’s flow and helped Egypt control its water resources. After exploring, you’ll check into a 5-star Nile cruise, where you’ll spend your first night enjoying the ship’s amenities and a delicious dinner. The cruise’s luxurious setting ensures comfort after a busy day.

Day 2: Abu Simbel & Sailing to Kom Ombo

Early breakfast kicks off Day 2, followed by a transfer to Abu Simbel, a site often described as one of Egypt’s most breathtaking monuments. The temples of Ramses II are carved directly into the mountainside, and the statues guarding the entrance are colossal—truly a sight to behold.

After the visit, you’ll return to the cruise, which begins its sail to Kom Ombo. Arriving later in the day, you’ll explore the Kom Ombo Temple, unique for its dual design dedicated to two gods—Sobek and Horus. This temple’s layout is more symmetrical than most, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious practices.

Day 3: Edfu & Sailing to Luxor

The highlight in Edfu is the Horus Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The intricate carvings and massive pylons are impressive, and guided commentary will help you appreciate the details.

The rest of the day is leisure on the cruise as it sails towards Luxor. This is a good time to relax and soak in the Nile scenery, which many reviews note as a peaceful break from the busy site visits.

Day 4: Luxor’s West Bank & Valley of the Kings

This day is all about ancient tombs and majestic monuments. The Valley of the Kings is a highlight—home to countless royal tombs, including the famously decorated tomb of Tutankhamun. Reviewers mention the possibility of a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise (optional and extra), which offers a stunning aerial view of Luxor’s ancient sites.

You’ll also visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to Egypt’s only female pharaoh, and the Colossi of Memnon, giant statues that have watched over the West Bank for thousands of years.

The tour includes visits to Tombs of the Nobles and Ramesseum, providing a full picture of Luxor’s monumental past.

Day 5: Giza Pyramids & Cairo Museums

Crossing into Cairo, this day covers the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, both instantly recognizable symbols of Egypt. Guided commentary will help you understand their fascinating history and architecture.

Then, a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square gives a broader context to Egypt’s past, with treasures from Tutankhamun and many other pharaohs. Reviewers praise the museum’s extensive collection, especially the famous mask of Tut.

Day 6: Alexandria’s Historic Sights

The focus shifts to Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, beginning with Fort Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. You’ll also explore the Roman Catacombs of Kom el-Shofaqa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern marvel with a stunning design honoring the ancient Library of Alexandria.

This day adds a layer of historical depth, blending Roman, Greek, and modern influences, and offers a more relaxed pace compared to the previous days.

Day 7: Final Day in Cairo & Departure

Your last day provides an opportunity for a relaxed exploration or optional activities before heading back home. The tour ends with return transfers to Cairo, leaving you with a well-rounded impression of Egypt’s timeless appeal.

What We Loved About This Tour

Knowledgeable guides are a standout. The reviews highlight guides like Khalid Eltayeb, who share in-depth insights and make complex history engaging. Their passion and expertise bring Egypt’s monuments to life, making each visit more meaningful.

The cruise experience is a true highlight. Spending nights on a luxurious Nile ship offers a relaxing break from walking and sightseeing. Many travelers appreciated the comfort and the scenic views along the river, which turned site visits into a more leisurely affair.

The variety of sites covered is impressive. From religious temples and tombs to pyramids and museums, this tour takes you from ancient Egypt’s spiritual heart to its modern cultural hubs, all within a well-structured schedule.

Value for money is another key point. Most meals, entrance fees, and transportation are included, removing a lot of logistical stress. Reviewers consistently mention that the tour provides excellent value, especially considering the quality of guides and accommodations.

Things to Consider

While the itinerary covers an extensive list of sites, it does involve a significant amount of travel and walking. Some review mentions the need for good footwear and stamina, especially for the long day in Luxor’s West Bank and the site visits in Cairo.

The tour is quite packed, which means some moments might feel rushed, particularly if you want to spend more time at each site or take extra photos. The optional hot-air balloon ride in Luxor is a fantastic addition but incurs extra costs and requires early wake-up time.

The Value of This Tour

At $1,600 per person, this all-inclusive journey balances price and experience well. It bundles flights, accommodations, most meals, entrance fees, and guided tours, which can be a cost-effective way to see Egypt without the hassle of planning every detail.

The mix of private guides, luxury accommodations, and well-chosen sites ensures you’ll get quality insights and comfort. Many travelers mention feeling well taken care of and safe throughout, which is reassuring when traveling in a foreign country.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 7-day tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Egypt’s most famous sites without the stress of logistics. It’s ideal for first-timers eager to see the pyramids, tombs, temples, and museums in a well-organized manner.

Those who appreciate luxury and comfort will enjoy the Nile cruise and quality accommodations. If you’re someone who prefers a structured itinerary with expert guides, this tour will meet your needs.

Finally, it’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time and get a deep, authentic insight into Egypt’s history, especially with guides who are praised for their knowledge.

FAQs

Is transportation included throughout the tour?
Yes, all transportation, including transfers between sites and to/from ports, is included. This ensures smooth travel between the various locations, especially the early trips to Abu Simbel.

Are most meals covered?
Most meals are included, with breakfast and dinner almost every day, along with some lunches. This makes it easier to budget and focus on sightseeing.

Can I customize or add activities?
Optional activities like hot-air balloon rides are available at extra cost. The tour itself is private, so customization might be possible with prior arrangement.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour involves quite a bit of walking and site visits, so consider their stamina.

What is the tour’s group size?
It is a private tour, so only your group will participate, which offers a more personalized experience.

How physically demanding is the itinerary?
It involves walking and some long days, especially in Luxor and Cairo. Be prepared for heat and wear comfortable shoes.

Will I see all of Egypt’s major sites?
Yes, the itinerary covers key sites from Aswan’s temples to Luxor’s tombs, Giza pyramids, and Alexandria’s historic landmarks.

What are the accommodation standards?
You’ll stay on a 5-star Nile cruise, which offers comfort and amenities, as well as quality hotels in Cairo and Alexandria.

Is airport pickup included?
Pickup is offered from ports and accommodations, making arrivals and departures stress-free.

What are the main benefits of booking this tour?
You gain expert guides, seamless logistics, luxury accommodations, and a comprehensive itinerary—all designed to make your Egypt trip unforgettable.

To sum it up, this 7-day Egypt tour offers an impressive combination of history, comfort, and convenience. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to see Egypt’s most iconic sights in one well-organized package. Whether you’re marveling at the pyramids or floating along the Nile, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s timeless allure—and plenty of stories to tell.