Cairo: Private 5-Day Egypt Tour with Alexandria & Balloon

Discover Egypt in Style: A 5-Day Private Tour Covering Pyramids, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria

Traveling through Egypt can feel like stepping into an open-air museum, and a well-organized tour can make the experience both seamless and deeply rewarding. The private 5-day Egyptian adventure offered by Nice Tours aims to combine iconic landmarks with authentic touches, all while providing comfort and expert guidance.

What’s particularly appealing? The chance to soar over Luxor in a hot air balloon, cruise along the Nile aboard a luxury ship, and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Abu Simbel. We also love the flexibility of private guides, which promises a personalized experience.

That said, this tour packs quite a punch—and with so many sights, it demands good stamina and an appreciation for early mornings. If you’re eager for a comprehensive, guided Egyptian experience with a touch of luxury, this could be your ideal trip.

Contents show

Key Points

Expert Guides: Knowledgeable Egyptologists provide fascinating insights at every site.
Iconic Sights: From the Pyramids of Giza and Egyptian Museum to Abu Simbel and Alexandria, it covers Egypt’s must-see landmarks.
Unique Experiences: Hot air balloon rides and Nile cruises elevate the adventure.
All-Inclusive Comfort: Domestic flights, private transport, and 5-star accommodations ensure a smooth journey.
Authentic & Balanced: Well-paced visits with a good mix of history, culture, and leisure.
Suitable for Travelers Who Value Guided Expertise and Cultural Immersion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Well-Rounded 5-Day Egypt Experience

This private tour from Nice Tours offers an excellent blend of history, scenery, and comfort, making it suitable for travelers wanting a thorough introduction to Egypt’s highlights. The itinerary marries iconic monuments with unique experiences, ensuring that you walk away with a well-rounded understanding of Egypt’s grandeur.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Luxor

Day 1: Cairo’s Ancient Marvels & Flight to Luxor

Your journey begins in Cairo, where a professional guide will meet you for an exciting day of sightseeing. First stop: the Giza Plateau, home to the famous Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx. These monuments, dating back over 4,500 years, are more than just photo ops—they’re a testament to ancient engineering and cultural beliefs. Many reviews mention the “fascinating explanations” offered by guides, which help bring these silent giants to life.

Post-lunch at a quality local restaurant, you’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, housing over 150,000 artifacts including treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. The collection’s vastness can be overwhelming, but guides typically highlight the most significant pieces, making your visit both manageable and meaningful.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Cairo Airport for your included domestic flight to Luxor—an efficient way to maximize your sightseeing time. Upon arrival, a local representative will escort you to your hotel for an overnight stay. This first day sets the tone for a well-organized, immersive experience with plenty of expert commentary.

Day 2: Luxor’s West Bank & the Spectacle of the East

Early morning, the hot air balloon ride over Luxor is a standout. Many travelers find this to be the highlight—floating above ancient temples, the Nile, and lush fields as dawn breaks. It’s quiet, breathtaking, and offers a perspective few other experiences can match. Even those who’ve done ballooning elsewhere find Luxor’s views particularly striking.

Back on the ground, your guide takes you to the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll visit three tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. The tomb decor and the stories behind them make history feel personal. Many reviews note the guides’ knowledge here, often adding interesting tidbits about the burial rituals and symbolism.

Next is Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, carved into cliffs, offering a stunning example of ancient architecture. The Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues, make for a quick photo stop—an impressive reminder of Egypt’s grandeur.

In the afternoon, cross to the East Bank to explore Karnak Temple, the largest religious site ever built. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its soaring columns, is a marvel of ancient engineering. Many visitors rave about the scale and detail, often mentioning the “amazing sense of history” that permeates the site.

Evening brings you aboard a luxury Nile cruise, where you’ll enjoy a full-board dinner and unwind on the river. The cruise’s 5-star rating means comfortable cabins and excellent food, as many guests highlight.

Day 3: Along the Nile – Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo

A relaxing breakfast on deck precedes a visit to Edfu’s Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. A traditional horse-drawn carriage ride takes you there—a charming touch that many find adds to the authenticity. The temple’s intricate carvings and well-preserved statues are a highlight, often described as “impressive” and “a photographer’s dream.”

Sailing towards Kom Ombo, you’re treated to scenic views of rural Egypt along the riverbanks. The Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two gods—Sobek and Horus—stands out for its unusual dual dedication. Many reviews mention the temple’s unique architecture and the opportunity to learn about crocodile worship.

Dinner on board continues the relaxing Nile experience, with many guests appreciating the peaceful atmosphere as they drift through the night.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Abu Simbel & Return to Cairo

Early morning, you’ll leave the cruise for Abu Simbel, an absolute must-see. The complex of twin temples carved into cliffs is a jaw-dropping sight. The colossal statues of Ramses II are famously impressive, and many reviews mention the awe of seeing a UNESCO World Heritage site up close. Guides often share fascinating stories about the relocation of the temples during the building of Lake Nasser—a logistical feat that’s part of Egypt’s modern history.

After exploring Abu Simbel, you’ll fly from Aswan back to Cairo, where a driver will take you to your hotel for the final night. This day balances the thrill of ancient wonders with the practicality of flights, saving time and energy.

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Luxor

Day 5: Alexandria’s Coastal Charm

Your final day takes you to Alexandria, Egypt’s Mediterranean window. Starting at Kom El-Deka, you’ll see well-preserved Roman ruins and ancient villas, giving insight into the city’s Greco-Roman past. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to walk through history in a slightly different setting from the Nile.

Next, visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground necropolis blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman traditions—an eerie yet fascinating experience. Lunch at a local restaurant allows you to sample fresh seafood, a staple of the city.

In the afternoon, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers a modern take on learning and culture, inspired by the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria. The Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse, adds a medieval flavor and spectacular views of the sea.

Returning to Cairo, this well-rounded tour concludes, leaving you with a sense of having experienced Egypt’s diverse history and landscapes.

Practical Aspects & Value

This tour’s pricing at $850 per person covers a lot of ground, and many guests comment on the good value given the inclusion of private guides, domestic flights, 5-star accommodations, and unique experiences like hot air ballooning. The full-board Nile cruise adds comfort and convenience, allowing you to relax as you travel between major sites.

Transportation is in air-conditioned private vehicles, which, considering Egypt’s heat and traffic, makes the experience more comfortable and less stressful. The small-group excursions, especially to Abu Simbel, are praised for their personalized feel.

The expert Egyptologist guides are often highlighted for their ability to bring history alive, with many reviews mentioning their storytelling skills and depth of knowledge. The flexibility to customize vegetarian, vegan, or halal meals is also appreciated.

Considerations

While the itinerary is packed, it does involve early mornings and some long travel days—especially the flight to Abu Simbel and back. The tour is designed for those who want a rundown without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves. It’s perfect for first-timers or travelers eager for a guided, luxury experience.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day private Egypt tour offers a remarkable balance of iconic landmarks, cultural insights, and luxury comfort. The inclusion of special experiences like hot air balloon rides and Nile cruises makes it stand out, delivering a multi-sensory journey through Egypt’s history.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided, all-encompassing experience without the stress of planning every detail. The small-group excursions and private guides promise personalized attention, making your trip both educational and enjoyable.

For those craving a deep dive into Egypt’s archaeological wonders while enjoying modern comforts, this tour delivers on many fronts. It’s an excellent way to tick off the top sites, experience Egypt’s natural beauty from the sky and river, and leave with a treasure trove of stories and memories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 6 years old to participate in the hot air balloon ride. Younger children are not allowed for safety reasons.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or halal meals available?
Yes, dietary options can be accommodated; you just need to inform the tour provider at booking.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor, Aswan-Cairo), private transportation, accommodations, hot air balloon ride, and guided site visits.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included. You’ll need to pay for site tickets separately, but guides usually assist with these arrangements.

How many people typically join this tour?
Since it’s a private tour, it’s tailored for your group, though some excursions like Abu Simbel may be in small groups.

What if I want to extend or customize the trip?
You can discuss additional options with the tour provider, but the standard package offers a rundown fitting most travelers’ interests.

This Egypt tour from Nice Tours provides a balanced, authentic, and comfortable way to see the very best of Egypt’s ancient and modern marvels. It’s a compelling choice for history lovers, cultural explorers, and anyone eager to experience Egypt with expert guidance and thoughtful touches.