Egypt 9 Days Tour To Cairo, Alexandria, Abu Simbel and Cruise

Planning a trip to Egypt can feel overwhelming with its vast history and numerous highlights. This 9-day tour packs some of the country’s most iconic sights into a well-organized itinerary, including Cairo, Alexandria, Abu Simbel, and a Nile River cruise. While it offers a mix of ancient marvels and relaxing river time, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before booking.

We love the way this tour combines flight connections, a Nile cruise with meals, and guided visits, making it a rundown of Egypt’s treasures. The inclusion of a hot air balloon ride adds a memorable adventure element, and having a professional Egyptologist guide ensures you’ll gain meaningful insights. However, some travelers have noted issues with certain guides pushing for extra payments or reviews, so travelers should stay alert. This tour suits those eager for a structured, all-in-one experience but who are also comfortable with a busy schedule.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: The tour covers major sights, flights, train tickets, and a Nile cruise with meals included.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable Egyptologist guides accompany all sightseeing, enhancing understanding.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters: From bustling Cairo bazaars to Alexandria’s historical sites, expect lively, colorful experiences.
• Memorable Highlights: The Abu Simbel temples and hot air balloon ride are standout moments.
• Value for Money: The price reflects a comprehensive package, although some reviews suggest variability in guide quality.
• Potential Drawbacks: The schedule is tight, and some reviews mention pushy guides or inconsistent service.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is designed to give you a thorough taste of Egypt’s highlights, making it a convenient option for first-timers or those who want an organized experience. For $2,185 per person, you get 4 nights at a 5-star Cairo hotel, 3 nights on a Nile cruise with all meals included, round-trip flights from Luxor to Cairo, and a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan.

What might catch your eye is the hot air balloon ride in Luxor, a popular way to view the temples and the Nile from above. Transfers are included, and the tour ensures you visit sites like the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel. However, gratuities and tips are not included, which is typical but worth budgeting for.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: Expectation vs. Reality

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Your journey starts with a warm welcome at Cairo International Airport. A representative from Bastet Travel meets you and helps with check-in, which is comforting after a long flight. The rest of the day is free, giving you a chance to settle in or explore nearby.

Day 2: Giza and Saqqara

A full day exploring Cairo’s ancient monuments begins with the Giza Plateau, home to the unmistakable Great Pyramid of Cheops and the Great Sphinx. Expect to stand in awe of these monumental structures built around 2580-2560 BC. The nearby Saqqara features Djoser’s step pyramid, the first successful attempt at a true pyramid, offering a glimpse into early pyramid development.

One reviewer expressed great enthusiasm for this day, noting the guide’s knowledge but also mentioning some pushiness about payments. Still, the experience of walking among the pyramids and seeing the oldest stone structures is priceless.

Day 3: Alexandria Day Trip

Traveling to Alexandria, this day combines history and local flavor. The visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, an inspiring modern tribute to the ancient library, is a highlight. The Roman Amphitheater and Pompey’s Pillar showcase Roman engineering, while the Citadel of Qaitbay reveals Egypt’s medieval defenses.

Expect a long day (about 10 hours), but the mix of sites makes it worthwhile. One reviewer appreciated the guide’s insights, although some found the day a bit rushed. The lunch in a local restaurant is a good chance to taste authentic Egyptian cuisine.

Day 4: Cairo’s Museums and Markets

This day dives into Egypt’s more recent past with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to artifacts spanning dynasties. You’ll also explore Islamic Cairo, visiting the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque. The vibrant Khan el Khalili Bazaar offers sensory overload—spices, jewelry, souvenirs.

While some travelers enjoy shopping and exploring, others suggest pacing might be tight, especially if you want to linger in markets. Still, the genuine chance to haggle for souvenirs makes it a lively experience.

Day 5: From Cairo to Aswan

A morning flight takes you from Cairo to Aswan, where your Nile cruise awaits. This seamless transition from land to boat is convenient, saving time and energy. The check-in process at the cruise ship is smooth, and after lunch, the tour begins with visits to the High Dam and the Graeco-Roman Temple of Isis.

The temple visit by small motorboat adds a charming touch, although some reviews mention that guides can sometimes be pushy about additional expenses. Still, the scenic views of the dam and river are worth it.

Day 6: Abu Simbel Experience

The early morning trip to Abu Simbel is a highlight, with the temples carved into solid rock and built for Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. The journey is about four hours each way, but the sight of these colossal statues and intricate carvings makes it worthwhile. One reviewer called it “a very fun journey,” emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of the site.

You return to the cruise for lunch, then sail to Kom Ombo, famous for its dual temple, dedicated to Sobek and Horus. This mix of religious sites along the Nile makes the cruise feel like a moving open-air museum.

Day 7: Edfu and Luxor

The morning begins with a horse carriage ride to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, reputedly the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Expect detailed hieroglyphs and impressive architecture. Afterward, the cruise sails past Esna Lock, a fascinating engineering feat.

In Luxor, the evening includes a visit to Luxor Temple, where you’ll see a blend of Egyptian, Christian, and Islamic architecture. One review notes that if the arrival is early enough, both Karnak and Luxor Temples are on the list, offering a comprehensive view of the city’s ancient religious sites.

Day 8: Valley of the Kings and Hot Air Balloon

A very early start (around 5 am) begins with a hot air balloon ride, one of the most memorable aspects of the trip. The views over Luxor’s West Bank and the Nile are stunning, and many travelers find this a highlight.

Next, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, where tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun are hidden in the mountains. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and Memnon statues make for serene photo stops. The reviews praise guides like Ahmed Ali Hassan for their dealing, adding richness to the experience.

Day 9: Departure

Early breakfast marks the end of your Egyptian adventure. You’ll be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your flight home, with plenty of memories and photos to share.

The Experience: What Works Well?

Guides and Expert Knowledge: Across reviews, guides like Mohamed Ali Hassan and Ahmed Ali Hassan are praised for their informative commentary and friendly approach. Their insights help bring the sites alive, making history feel real.

Memorable Sights: From the pyramids of Giza to Abu Simbel’s colossal statues, the tour hits all the big-ticket items. The hot air balloon offers a different perspective, elevating the experience with panoramic views over Luxor.

Convenience of Logistics: The combination of flights, train rides, and transfers makes moving between sites smooth, saving travelers from logistical headaches. The cruise with all meals included is a relaxing base amid busy sightseeing.

Authentic Encounters: Visiting bustling markets like Khan el Khalili and experiencing local cuisine in Alexandria add authentic flavors to the trip.

The Challenges and Considerations

Schedule Intensity: The itinerary is packed, with long days and early starts, especially on the Abu Simbel and hot air balloon days. For some, this could be exhausting.

Guide Variability: One review mentioned guides being pushy about tips and extra payments. Staying firm on your boundaries and politely declining additional expenses can help.

Price vs. Value: At $2,185, the tour offers a lot—flights, accommodations, guided visits, and a Nile cruise. However, the quality of guides can vary, and the schedule is quite tight for those seeking a slower pace.

Tour Group Size: The tour is private, meaning your group won’t be mixed with strangers, allowing for a more tailored experience. That said, this can also mean less flexibility in group dynamics since it depends on your preferences.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re someone who loves historical sites and culture, this tour hits many of Egypt’s highlights efficiently. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy guided tours but are prepared for long days and early mornings. The inclusion of hot air balloon rides and cruise meals adds luxury touches, making it a good choice for those seeking convenience without sacrificing authenticity.

Travelers wanting a rundown of Egypt in a short period will appreciate the mix of land and river adventures. However, if you prefer a leisurely pace or more unstructured exploration, this might feel a bit rushed.

The Sum Up

This 9-day Egypt tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the country’s most famous sights, coupled with the comfort of guided visits, flights, and a Nile cruise. Its highlights—Abu Simbel, the pyramids, and Luxor’s temples—are difficult to match elsewhere in one trip. The inclusion of expert guides, hot air balloon rides, and authentic sites makes it a memorable experience for history lovers.

However, its tight schedule and some guide-related hiccups mean it’s best suited for travelers who thrive on structured itineraries and are comfortable with early mornings and long travel days. The overall value is solid, especially considering all the included features, but managing expectations around guide variability is wise.

For those eager to see Egypt’s icons with the support of seasoned guides and enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation, this tour can be a fantastic choice. Just remember to stay alert, tip generously for good service, and soak in every stunning view along the Nile.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Given the early starts, long days, and multiple site visits, this tour might be challenging for those with mobility issues. It involves quite a bit of walking and some uneven surfaces.

Are flights between cities included?
Yes, the tour covers the round-trip flight from Luxor to Cairo and the sleeping train from Cairo to Aswan. These are arranged as part of the package for convenience.

What should I budget for tips?
Tips for guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included, so it’s advisable to allocate some cash for tipping, especially given the praise for guides’ knowledge.

Does the tour include any optional activities?
The hot air balloon ride in Luxor is included, but additional optional activities aren’t specified. However, some sites like the museum or markets may encourage extra personal exploration.

How organized is this tour?
The itinerary is tightly scheduled, with a mix of guided visits, transfers, and free time in Cairo and Alexandria. Expect a busy but well-structured experience.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private tour, some customization might be possible by consulting with Bastet Travel beforehand, especially regarding pacing or specific sites.

This detailed, practical review aims to help you decide if this 9-day adventure matches your travel style. Egypt’s timeless allure awaits—just pack your curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes.