12 Days Egypt Tour Package with Nile Cruise and Red Sea Stay

Discover Egypt with a 12-Day Tour That Combines History, Comfort, and Beach Relaxation

Looking at the itinerary of this 12-day Egypt tour package, it’s clear why travelers are eager to book well in advance—on average, nearly a year ahead. This comprehensive journey promises an immersive experience with luxury accommodations, expert guides, and seamless transportation. It’s ideal for those with a curiosity for ancient wonders, combined with a love for comfort and convenience.

What I love most about this tour is how it balances iconic sightseeing with relaxing escapes. You get to stand in awe before the Pyramids and Sphinx, explore ancient temples with knowledgeable guides, cruise down the Nile in style, and unwind at the Red Sea’s beaches. The all-inclusive aspect—covering most meals, entrance fees, domestic flights, and upscale hotels—adds incredible value, removing stress about logistics or extra costs. That said, a potential consideration is the pace; it’s quite full, so travelers who prefer slower travel might find it a bit intense.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those wanting a hassle-free luxury trip. If you enjoy having everything organized and guided, and you’re eager to see Egypt’s most famous sites without worrying about logistics, this package could be your perfect fit.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Most meals, entrance fees, domestic flights, and transfers are included, making for a smooth experience.
• Expert Guides: A private Egyptologist guide enhances understanding and personalizes the journey.
• Luxury Accommodation: Staying in 5-star hotels and a Nile cruise ensures comfort after busy days exploring.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: From Cairo’s pyramids to Luxor’s temples and Red Sea beaches, it covers Egypt’s highlights.
• Well-Planned Timing: The schedule balances sightseeing with relaxation, but is quite full.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits to iconic sites like the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple are included in a detailed, thoughtfully curated route.

Exploring the Details: What You Can Expect

Day 1-3: Cairo’s Ancient Marvels and Cultural Gems

Starting your adventure in Cairo, the tour begins with a smooth airport meet-and-greet, easing your entry into Egypt’s bustling capital. You’ll visit the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx—the quintessential images of Egypt—and spend around two hours marveling at these wonders. Even if you’ve seen photos before, standing next to these structures is a different experience. The tour also includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, which is widely regarded as Egypt’s earliest major monument, built around 2600 BCE. It’s a fascinating step forward in pyramid design, and the site’s history as the earliest large stone structure makes it a must-see.

From there, exploring Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt, adds context to Egypt’s long history. The large statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx of Queen Hatshepsut are highlights that connect you to Egypt’s storied past. The inclusion of these sites reflects the tour’s thoughtful approach to presenting Egypt’s evolution from early dynasties through the New Kingdom.

The Egyptian Museum is next, housing over 120,000 artifacts. You’ll get a snapshot of ancient Egyptian life, with the chance to see treasures like Tutankhamen’s treasures if they are on display. The guide will help trace the timeline of pharaohs, gods, and daily life, transforming a museum visit from a mere walk-through into an engaging lesson.

In Coptic Cairo, the tour shifts to the Christian history of Egypt. You’ll visit sites like the Hanging Church and Coptic Museum, which showcase Egypt’s diverse religious tapestry. The Khan El-Khalili bazaar offers a sensory overload—aromatic spices, colorful textiles, and lively vendors—perfect for picking up souvenirs, or just soaking in the local vibe.

Day 4-6: Navigating the Nile – From Aswan to Luxor

Moving from Cairo, your journey takes to the skies for a domestic flight to Aswan. The Temple of Philae is a highlight, especially after its dramatic rescue from flooding, and it’s still breathtaking today. The guided tour offers fascinating stories about the goddess Isis and the Nubian culture that surrounds it.

Next, a visit to Kom Ombo unveils a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Hathor—an unusual and intriguing site. With its distinctive two-part design, it’s a standout in your Nile cruise experience. The Temple of Horus further enriches the journey, showcasing Ptolemaic architecture at its finest. It’s remarkably well-preserved, and the guide’s insights help you appreciate the symbolism behind the carvings and layout.

In Luxor, the Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple reveal the grandeur of ancient Egypt’s religious architecture. Walking through these colossal sites, you’ll encounter towering pylons, hypostyle halls, and statues that seem to stretch endlessly. The Valley of the Kings is a highlight, where you can explore the tombs of pharaohs like Ramses IV, and even glimpse the tomb of Tutankhamen—though access to the actual tomb is not included, the general area is awe-inspiring. The Temple of Hatshepsut adds a personal story of a powerful female ruler, with its terraces and detailed reliefs.

The Colossi of Memnon provide a striking photo opportunity and serve as a reminder of Egypt’s ancient engineering prowess.

Days 7-10: Red Sea Relaxation in Hurghada

After days packed with history and culture, the tour shifts gears—literally—to Hurghada, a beach resort town on the Red Sea. The drive from Luxor is about 3 hours, and you’ll arrive ready to unwind. The next four days are dedicated to relaxing at your luxury hotel or resort, with plenty of time for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the hotel amenities.

This downtime is invaluable if you’re looking for a mix of adventure and leisure. Whether it’s snorkeling, diving, or just soaking in the views, Hurghada offers a peaceful escape from the bustling cities. The tour’s inclusion of free time emphasizes a balanced experience, allowing you to set your own pace.

Day 11-12: Return to Cairo and Departure

Your journey concludes with a domestic flight back to Cairo, where you’ll be transferred to the airport. The tour ends after a comfortable overnight stay in Cairo, giving you a chance for final sightseeing or shopping before departure.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Analyzing the price of $2,900 per person, it’s clear that the package offers excellent value considering the inclusions. You get luxury accommodations and a Nile cruise, all entrance fees, most meals, domestic flights, and private guides. The convenience of having everything organized means you won’t spend hours figuring out transport or ticketing, which is a real plus in a busy country like Egypt.

The personal guide, described as a professional Egyptologist, makes a significant difference—expect stories, context, and insights that turn mere sightseeing into a memorable learning experience. Reviewers have praised guides for their knowledge and ability to enhance the visit, with one remarking that their guide helped explore more places and made the trip very fun.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Experience

• Book early: Since the tour is in high demand—booked on average 298 days in advance—early planning guarantees availability.
• Pack wisely: Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing for religious sites.
• Be prepared for busy days: The schedule is packed, so pace yourself and stay hydrated.
• Consider gratuities: Tipping is not included, so bring some cash for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This package is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience of Egypt’s highlights. History lovers will appreciate the guided visits to iconic sites, while those seeking comfort will benefit from the luxury hotels and Nile cruise. It’s also suitable for families or couples wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation.

If you prefer to have everything organized and prefer guided exploration over solo planning, this tour checks all those boxes. But keep in mind, it’s quite full—so if you prefer a slow pace or more personal downtime, you might want to customize or add extra days.

FAQ

Does the tour include airport pickups?
Yes, the package offers hotel/port pickup and drop-off, including assistance with entry visas upon arrival.

Are all meals included?
Most breakfasts and lunches are included, along with dinner on several nights. Extra meals or snacks outside the schedule are not included.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s a private tour, so only your group participates, which is ideal for solo travelers who want safety and companionship.

What about transportation?
Transportation is via private vehicle, ensuring comfort and flexibility during excursions and transfers.

Are entrance fees covered?
Yes, all entrance fees to the listed sites are included, removing surprises or additional costs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 6 days before the start for a full refund. Less notice results in partial or no refunds.

Is this tour good for those interested in local culture?
Yes, with visits to markets like Khan El-Khalili, Coptic Cairo, and religious sites, you’ll experience Egypt’s diverse cultural landscape firsthand.

To sum it up, this 12-day Egypt tour offers a fantastic blend of history, comfort, and relaxation. It’s designed for travelers eager to explore Egypt’s most famous sites without the hassle of logistics or planning. The inclusion of private guides, luxury accommodations, and all major highlights makes it a great value for those wanting a comprehensive and seamless experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a luxury traveler, or someone looking to tick Egypt off your bucket list with ease, this tour checks many boxes—just remember to pack your curiosity along with your sunhat.