Private 9-Day Tour package to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan by flight

We’ve come across a 9-day private tour that promises a comprehensive taste of Egypt’s iconic sights, from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, including flights, a Nile cruise, and even a hot air balloon experience. While we haven’t taken this journey ourselves, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and inclusions suggest it’s a solid choice for those eager to explore Egypt without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we love about this tour is its seamless blend of history, comfort, and authentic experiences. The inclusion of certified Egyptologist guides means you’re getting expert insights at every site, and the luxury cruise, combined with flights, makes the long-distance travel much more manageable. Plus, the hot air balloon ride over Luxor sounds like a memorable way to start the mornings, offering a perspective you simply can’t get from the ground.

However, it’s worth noting that the price — $920 per person — is quite competitive for what’s included, especially considering flights, accommodation, most meals, and guided tours. That said, some reviews hint at organizational hiccups, so travelers should be prepared for slight adjustments or communication issues. Overall, it seems best suited for travelers looking for a guided, hassle-free experience with a good balance of sightseeing and comfort.

This tour appeals to those who want a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and convenience—perfect for first-timers or those wanting to see Egypt’s highlights without the stress of self-planning.

Key Points

• All-inclusive: Flights, accommodations, most meals, and guided tours mean fewer surprises.
• Expert Guides: Certified Egyptologists lead every major site, offering authentic insights.
• Unique Experiences: Hot air balloon ride and Nile cruise add memorable touches.
• Efficient Itinerary: Covers Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan in just 9 days.
• Value: At $920, it packs significant value considering the inclusions, especially with flights and accommodation.
• Potential hiccups: Some reviews mention organization issues, so flexibility and patience are helpful.

Detailed Tour Breakdown

Day 1: The Iconic Pyramids and Sphinx

Your Egyptian adventure kicks off in Cairo with a warm welcome from your driver, who will transfer you to a four-star hotel. Snacks on the way? Yes, please — small touches like this make a difference in a busy trip. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Here, a certified Egyptologist guide will be ready to answer your questions and bring the site alive—an invaluable detail since many guides in Egypt are known to be very knowledgeable. If you’re interested in snapping photos, this is the spot for dramatic shots of colossal structures and the chance to ride a camel around the pyramids, a favorite among reviewers.

The visit to Giza is self-guided with no included admission fees, meaning you might want to budget extra for tickets if you want full access. Then, you’ll visit the temple of mummification beside the Sphinx, providing a good photo opportunity and some local color.

Day 2: Alexandria’s Historical Gems

A full-day trip to Alexandria offers a change of scenery and a chance to explore the Mediterranean coastal city. The drive takes about three hours in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. First stop: Kom El-Deka, an upscale Graeco-Roman residential area with villas and ruins, providing a glimpse into ancient urban life. Then, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa—considered one of the Middle Ages’ Seven Wonders—are a highlight with their blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles.

Lunch is at a high-class local restaurant, with reviewers praising the quality of the food, though admission to the sites is usually not included, so plan accordingly. Afterwards, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Fort Qaitbay showcase Alexandria’s long-standing role as a hub of knowledge and defense, respectively. Guides here are equipped to explain the significance of each location, enriching your experience.

Day 3-4: Luxor’s Ancient Treasury and Temples

Flying from Cairo to Luxor (included in the package) saves hours of travel, setting you up for two days immersed in Egypt’s famed Theban necropolis. First up: the Valley of the Kings. With 63 royal tombs, this site is a must-see, and your Egyptologist guide will help you decipher hieroglyphs and stories of the pharaohs. The Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon are next, each with their own stories—Hatshepsut’s temple is a masterpiece of architecture, and the Colossi are hauntingly impressive.

In the afternoon, you board a luxury Nile cruise. Many reviewers mention the cruise as a luxurious, relaxing base with full-board meals, making it easy to unwind after exploring. The cruise’s itinerary includes stops at key sites like the Temple of Horus at Edfu—famous for its well-preserved carvings—and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at ancient quarrying techniques.

Day 5-6: Aswan and Abu Simbel

The Aswan High Dam is a marvel of engineering, and visiting it offers a sense of awe. The Temple of Philae—a sacred site dedicated to Isis—provides a beautiful photographic setting, especially with the waters of Lake Nasser as a backdrop.

The trip to Abu Simbel is a highlight, with its colossal statues and temples dedicated to Ramses II. The early morning start is worth it for the stunning sunrise views and the engineering feat that saved these monuments from the rising waters of the Nile.

Day 7-8: Southern Nile and Luxor’s Splendors

On the return cruise, you visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus—unique for its dual deities and symmetrical design. The Luxor Sound and Light Show in the evening offers an atmospheric storytelling experience, with illuminated temples and mythological tales.

The next morning, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor offers breathtaking views of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings, and surrounding desert landscape. Reviewers rave about the height of the balloons—around 1500 feet—providing a panoramic view that’s hard to match.

Then, explore Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in the world, with detailed hieroglyphs and towering pylons. A felucca ride at sunset offers a peaceful, scenic end to your day, with gentle breezes and stunning views of Luxor from the water.

Day 9: Final Highlights and Departure

Your last day starts early with the hot air balloon, a truly memorable experience. After landing, guides lead you through the Luxor Temple, a beautifully preserved site with engaging stories of its construction and purpose. You’ll then be transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo and onward travel.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides and Personalization: Based on reviews, guides like Rambo and Wael are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more engaging and less like a monotonous tour. The guides’ ability to answer detailed questions is a big plus, especially at sites like Karnak and Hatshepsut’s temple.

Memorable Experiences: The hot air balloon ride is a highlight that many travelers rave about. Seeing Luxor from above, with the Nile winding below, offers a fresh perspective on its ancient grandeur.

Luxury and Comfort: Staying on a five-star cruise along the Nile means you’re not just touring but also relaxing in style, enjoying full-board meal options and onboard facilities that reviewers say meet expectations.

Comprehensive Coverage: Covering Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan in just 9 days is ambitious, but the itinerary is carefully designed to maximize your time at key sights without feeling overly rushed.

Value for Money: At $920, this package includes flights, most meals, a Nile cruise, and guided tours, making it a good deal for a comprehensive Egyptian adventure. The inclusion of flights and accommodation reduces the need for separate planning and bookings.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Some reviews mention organizational hiccups, such as communication issues or last-minute changes. While the overall experience is praised, travelers should be flexible and prepared for possible adjustments. Also, entrance fees to sites are generally not included, so budgeting extra for tickets is wise.

Not everyone may appreciate the packed schedule—if you prefer slow, in-depth exploration at each site, this might feel rushed. The tour is designed for those who want a broad overview and efficient travel between locations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Egypt’s highlights without the fuss of planning every detail themselves. It’s perfect for travelers craving a mix of adventure, history, and comfort, along with optional memorable experiences like hot air ballooning. Those who enjoy guided insights and luxury accommodations will find it especially appealing.

It also suits those with a moderate budget, as the inclusions make it a more economical way to see a lot of Egypt in a short span. However, travelers should be comfortable with a busy schedule and some organizational flexibility.

FAQs

Are flights from Cairo to Luxor included? Yes, the tour includes flights from Cairo to Luxor and Luxor back to Cairo, simplifying long-distance travel.

Is accommodation on the cruise included? Yes, you’ll stay on a five-star Nile cruise with full-board meals, providing comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees? Entrance fees to most sites are not included, so you should budget extra for tickets to major attractions.

What is the hot air balloon ride like? The balloon flight lasts about 45-80 minutes, reaching heights of 1500 feet, offering panoramic views of Luxor’s temples, Nile, and surrounding desert.

Can I customize the itinerary? This is a private tour, so some flexibility is possible, especially if you communicate your preferences beforehand.

What kind of guides will I have? Certified Egyptologist guides lead each major site, providing detailed explanations and answering questions.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility? The tour involves some walking and site exploration, so mobility might be a consideration. Onboard facilities and transportation are air-conditioned, but check specific site accessibility.

How do reviews rate this experience? With a 5.0 out of 5 from 193 reviews, most travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and smooth organization. Some mention minor hiccups, but overall satisfaction is high.

Final Thoughts

This 9-day Egypt tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience with a focus on comfort and expert guidance. It’s tailored for those eager to see iconic sites, enjoy memorable moments like hot air ballooning, and do so without the stress of logistics. While some travelers have encountered organizational bumps, the overall value, stunning scenery, and knowledgeable guides make it a compelling choice for your Egyptian adventure.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guided journey balances sightseeing with relaxation, ensuring that you leave with a deeper appreciation of Egypt’s timeless allure. If you want a thoughtfully curated tour that covers Egypt’s must-see sights in style, this could be your ideal trip.