Cheap Egypt holiday 11 Days Cairo-Luxor-Aswan-Abu Simbel by sleeping train

A Complete Look at the 11-Day Cairo-Luxor-Aswan-Abu Simbel Egypt Tour

Travelers craving a comprehensive, budget-friendly journey through Egypt’s iconic sites will find this 11-day tour a compelling choice. With a mix of guided city explorations, a Nile River cruise, a sleeping train experience, and visits to legendary temples and tombs, this package balances culture with convenience.

What stands out most? The well-rounded itinerary, the knowledgeable guides, and the chance to see Egypt’s ancient marvels from different angles — whether on land or aboard the Nile. The tour’s affordable price of $950 per person makes it accessible, especially when you consider the accommodation, transportation, and most meals included.

However, it’s worth noting that entrance fees and the sleeping train are not included in the price, which could add to your overall costs. Plus, timing on certain days, like Abu Simbel, requires an early start—so you’ll want to be prepared for some early mornings.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, cultural explorers, and those eager for a taste of Egypt’s timeless allure, all without breaking the bank. It’s especially suited for travelers who don’t mind group travel, value guided insights, and want a structured yet immersive experience.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $950, this 11-day package offers value for those wanting an extensive Egyptian adventure.
• Diverse Experiences: From Cairo’s pyramids to Luxor’s temples, and Aswan’s dam, the tour covers Egypt’s key highlights.
• Comfortable Transportation: Includes a Nile cruise, a sleeping train, and private transfers, ensuring smooth travel logistics.
• Guided Tours: Expert Egyptology guides enhance understanding and enrich the experience.
• Authentic Local Food: Meals onboard and at local restaurants offer a taste of Egyptian cuisine.
• Early Wake-Up Calls: Abu Simbel requires a pre-dawn start, which might be tiring but rewarding.

Exploring the Full Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Arrival and Cairo’s Wonders

Starting at Cairo International Airport with a free pick-up, you’re greeted by your driver who will escort you to a 4-star hotel. After settling in, your adventure begins with a full day dedicated to the iconic Giza Pyramids. Visiting the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple, you’ll see the symbols of Egypt’s grandeur. The guide’s detailed explanations bring these monuments to life, making you appreciate not just their size but their engineering brilliance.

Lunch at a local restaurant provides a break from sightseeing, and it’s here you’ll experience Egyptian cuisine in a casual setting. The day continues with a trip to Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid—a milestone in pyramid evolution—and a fascinating glimpse into the early phases of Egyptian funerary architecture.

Cairo’s Cultural Treasures

The next day is reserved for the Egyptian Museum, where over 250,000 artifacts await. Expect to see treasures from King Tutankhamon’s tomb, including gold jewelry and ceremonial objects, offering a tangible connection to Egypt’s divine rulers. Following this, you’ll visit the Cairo Citadel, a fortress built by Salah al-Din, which offers panoramic views over the city, and the Coptic Cairo area, rich with churches and synagogues like the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.

The layered history here means you’ll walk through Christian, Jewish, and Islamic sites, giving you a sense of Egypt’s diverse spiritual fabric. After a full day, you’ll return to your hotel to prepare for the night train to Luxor, departing Giza at 6 pm.

Luxor: The Open-Air Museum

Arriving early in Luxor, you’ll transfer to your Nile cruise, which promises luxurious comfort and scenic views. The cruise is offered as a 5-star experience, with all meals included, allowing you to indulge while watching Egypt’s landscape drift past.

On the East Bank of Luxor, the vast Karnak and Luxor Temples await. These sprawling complexes, begun over a thousand years ago, showcase colossal columns, detailed hieroglyphs, and towering statues—each stone telling a story of divine kingship. The guides here emphasize the architectural prowess and religious significance of each site, making the sights come alive.

The West Bank and the Valley of the Kings

The following day takes you to the West Bank, home to the Valley of the Kings. Here, you’ll explore crypts where famous pharaohs like Ramses and Thutmose are buried. The colossal statues of Memnon and the Obelisk of Hatshepsut add to the awe, and reviews mention that guides often share stories and insights beyond the standard script, enriching the experience.

Southern Egypt: Edfu, Kom Ombo & Abu Simbel

Traveling south along the Nile, you’ll visit Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, with many reviewers highlighting how the massive structure and detailed reliefs make it a highlight. A horse carriage ride adds a fun touch, allowing you to see local life up close.

Next is the Kom Ombo Temple, notable for its double design and unique blend of gods Sobek and Haroeris. The contrast between the two temples offers insight into Egypt’s religious practices.

The trip culminates with an early morning journey to Abu Simbel, a must-see site renowned for its gigantic statues of Ramses II. The approximately 3.5-hour trip begins at 3:30 am, which might be tough but is widely regarded as worthwhile. One reviewer marveled at how the early start allowed them to beat the crowds, making the visit even more special.

Aswan & the Final Days

In Aswan, you’ll visit the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, both impressive feats of engineering. The dam’s role in controlling Nile flooding and power generation gives it practical significance; the obelisk, still in quarried form, hints at ancient engineering techniques.

After exploring, you’ll board your sleeping train for the return to Cairo. According to reviews, the train experience offers a chance to rest and reflect on your journey while enjoying onboard meals.

Final Days in Cairo

Back in Cairo, the pace slows with a relaxed day. You can visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, both celebrating Islamic architecture. The tour concludes with a transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guided Expertise: Multiple reviews praise guides like Nasser and Eman, noting their hospitality and knowledge that significantly enhance the experience. Their ability to share extra insights and cultural context makes the visits more meaningful.

Authentic Experiences & Scenic Views: From the pyramids and tombs to the Nile riverside scenery, the tour blends history with daily life. Passing through Egyptian towns during train journeys offers a glimpse of real Egypt beyond tourist spots.

Cultural & Culinary Highlights: Local meals onboard and at restaurants allow travelers to sample traditional dishes, enriching the journey’s flavor—both literally and figuratively.

Comfort & Convenience: The combination of a luxury Nile cruise, private transport, and a sleeping train minimizes logistics hassle and maximizes sightseeing time.

Affordable Value: Considering the accommodation, guided tours, and transportation, the $950 price tag offers good value—especially given the inclusion of breakfast, lunch, and dinner on cruise days.

Possible Drawbacks & Considerations

While the tour offers a lot, there are a few points to keep in mind. The entrance fees are not included, so expect to pay extra at major sites. The sleeping train is not included in the price, adding to the overall costs.

The early start for Abu Simbel, at 3:30 am, can be tiring, but many travelers feel it’s a small price to pay for the site’s grandeur. Also, with a group limited to 10 travelers, the tour remains intimate, but some may prefer more flexibility or independent exploration.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This package appeals most to history lovers and cultural explorers eager to see Egypt’s historic landmarks with guided insight. It’s ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a well-structured itinerary that balances comfort with authentic experiences.

Those who don’t mind group travel and early mornings will find this to be a practical, enriching trip. Travelers looking for a relaxing, all-in-one Egyptian adventure will appreciate the combination of land, river, and rail.

FAQs

Are airport transfers included? Yes, there is free pickup and drop-off from Cairo International Airport, simplifying your arrival and departure.

Is the price inclusive of all meals? Meals onboard the Nile cruise—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included, but additional meals outside the package are at your own expense.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees separately? Yes, entrance fees to sites like pyramids, temples, and tombs are not included and need to be paid at each location.

How is the transportation arranged? The tour includes private pickups, transfers between sites, a Nile cruise, and a sleeping train, all tailored for comfort and efficiency.

What about guides? You’ll have Egyptology guides for major sites, whose insights significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the sights.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers? Yes, the group size is small (max 10), making it friendly for solo travelers seeking companionship and guided support.

This 11-day Egypt tour offers a meticulously planned journey through the country’s most celebrated sites, blending history, culture, and comfort. Whether you’re marveling at the pyramids, cruising along the Nile, or exploring ancient tombs, you’ll find each day filled with memorable moments—at a price that makes this adventure accessible. Perfect for those ready to explore Egypt’s timeless treasures with expert guides and a touch of authentic local flavor.