Egypt Tour 11 Day Cairo & Alexandria Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel Hotel & Flight Inc

Travelers looking to see Egypt’s timeless wonders in one comprehensive package will find this 11-day tour from Look at Egypt Tours an appealing option. It promises a well-rounded exploration of Egypt’s iconic sights, combining cultural depth with comfortable accommodations and expert guidance. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just someone eager to tick off the world’s most famous monuments, this trip covers all the bases.

What makes this tour particularly enticing? First, the inclusion of four nights on a Nile cruise offers a relaxed way to experience the river that shaped Egyptian civilization. Second, the expert Egyptologist guides help bring the ancient sites to life with stories and insights you won’t find in guidebooks. Third, the balance of luxury hotels in Cairo and specific historical excursions makes for a comfortable yet immersive journey.

That said, some travelers might find the tour’s pace a bit packed, especially if you prefer to savor each site without feeling rushed. Also, the price of around $2,793 per person might seem steep for some, but when you consider the extensive itinerary, guided tours, and all included meals, it offers good value. This experience is best suited for those with curiosity about Egypt’s history, who appreciate guided comfort, and are eager for a deep, authentic visit.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage of Egypt’s key highlights in 11 days
• Four nights on a Nile cruise provide a relaxing river experience
• Expert guides offer in-depth historical insights
• All major sites included: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Karnak, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and more
• Well-organized itinerary balances sightseeing with comfort
• Includes most meals and accommodations, streamlining travel logistics

An In-Depth Look at the 11-Day Egypt Tour

Starting Strong in Cairo: Land of the Pyramids and Pharaohs

Your adventure begins the moment you arrive in Cairo, where Look at Egypt Tours staff will meet you to handle airport formalities and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. The first couple of days are packed with some of Egypt’s most famous attractions.

Day 2 kicks off with the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. As you stand before these enormous monuments, you can’t help but marvel at their scale and ingenuity. Reviewers repeatedly mention the importance of visiting the Pyramids every time they’re in Egypt—there’s just something enduring about their presence. One traveler noted, “The pyramids and the Sphinx at the base of the Giza plateau are the iconic image of Egypt, and I recommend taking plenty of photos in front of them.” Your guide will share stories about how these structures were built, adding context that brings the stones to life.

The same day includes a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Home to over 120,000 items, but with only a fraction on display, it offers a glimpse into Egypt’s long history. Our reviews highlight that the guides make this museum a highlight, offering insights into exhibits that might otherwise be overlooked.

Exploring Saqqara and Memphis: The Dawn of Egyptian Architecture

On Day 3, the tour ventures into the ancient city of Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser—noted as the earliest major stone structure in Egypt. Its six-tiered design marked a significant development in pyramid construction, and many visitors find it fascinating to witness this architectural evolution firsthand. The nearby ruins of Memphis and Sakkara feature some of Egypt’s largest statues and alabaster Sphinxes, adding to the sense of stepping back into history.

Reviewers have pointed out the value of these sites, emphasizing how they offer a broader picture beyond the pyramids, showcasing Egypt’s early dynastic achievements.

Cairo’s Medieval and Islamic Heritage

Day 4 takes you inside Cairo’s Citadel of Saladin, a fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. The day also includes a stroll through Khan El-Khalili, one of the world’s most famous souks. Browsing the bustling market with its labyrinth of shops, you’ll find everything from spices to jewelry—perfect for souvenirs or just soaking up authentic Cairo life.

The visit to Coptic Cairo rounds out the day, where you can explore churches like the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s ability to weave stories from different periods, making these sites meaningful beyond their historical significance.

Transition to Luxor: The Heart of Ancient Egypt

Day 5 marks the transition from Cairo to Luxor via flight, a crucial part of the tour that saves time. Once in Luxor, your exploration begins at Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex dedicated to Amun. The sheer size of Karnak is awe-inspiring, and your guide will detail its construction and religious significance.

Following this, the Luxor Temple on the riverbank offers more insight into Egypt’s religious architecture. Reviewers note that the guide’s explanations help make these huge structures feel more tangible, transforming stone and hieroglyphs into stories of gods and pharaohs.

Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple

Day 6 is dedicated to the necropolis of the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun’s tomb lay hidden for centuries. Visitors can explore three tombs, with the highlight being the remarkably intact tomb of Tutankhamun. Reviewers mention that the tombs are affected by tourism—factors like humidity and flash photography have caused damage—but the experience still feels profound.

Next, the Temple of Hatshepsut offers a striking example of female leadership in ancient Egypt, with its terraced design and historical intrigue. The guide’s storytelling enriches the visit, especially when explaining how Queen Hatshepsut ruled after her husband’s death and used her temple as a monument to her reign.

The Colossi of Memnon and Moving South to Nubia

The Colossi of Memnon are giant statues that provide a tangible link to Egypt’s past. Many travelers find them impressive, and some reviewers have marveled at how these statues have survived millennia.

Aswan and the Ptolemaic Temples

Day 7 involves visiting the Temple of Kom Ombo, unique for its double design dedicated to Sobek and Hathor. The guided explanations help appreciate the dual function and religious significance of the site.

The Temple of Horus in Edfu, best-preserved of Egypt’s temples, offers a clear picture of Ptolemaic architecture. The guide’s detailed descriptions make walking through this site an engaging experience.

Abu Simbel: The Grand Finale

Day 8’s highlight is the Abu Simbel temples, a jaw-dropping sight of enormous rock temples carved into mountainside cliffs. These monuments, built by Ramses II, are masterpieces of engineering and art, and many reviews mention that witnessing them in person exceeds expectations. The guided tour provides context about Ramses’ ambitions and the temples’ relocation to avoid flooding from Lake Nasser.

Next, the Temple of Philae on Agilika Island, dedicated to Isis, is a moving site that UNESCO helped rescue from submersion. The stories of its preservation add an extra layer of appreciation to your visit.

Return to Cairo and the Final Day in Alexandria

After flying back to Cairo on Day 9, the tour shifts to Alexandria, a coastal city with its own historical allure. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a standout, combining Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences in underground tombs. Reviewers describe them as an “amazing wonder of the Middle Ages,” with some noting that the site’s atmosphere is both eerie and fascinating.

Pompey’s Pillar and the Roman Amphitheater showcase Roman grandeur, and the Qaitbey Fortress on Alexandria’s harbor offers striking views and a sense of history’s continuity.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

This tour balances sightseeing with comfortable accommodations and includes most meals, making logistics easier. The private transport between sites ensures a smooth experience, with the guides providing expert commentary along the way.

The 4-night Nile cruise is a key feature, offering a relaxing way to see temples along the riverbanks. Reviews highlight the quality of the cruise, which includes full board, buffet lunches, and dinners—a good value for the price.

Transportation between Cairo and Luxor via flight is included, saving time for sightseeing rather than long bus rides. This is especially beneficial given the packed schedule.

While the tour is private, the group size tends to be small, fostering a more personalized experience. The guides, such as the one mentioned in reviews, are well-liked for their knowledge and storytelling ability.

Cost and Value

At nearly $2,793, the tour is a significant investment, but it covers transport, accommodations, most meals, and expert guides, which can be hard to arrange independently. For those who want a hassle-free, immersive experience without the stress of planning logistics, this package offers good value.

Considerations

The tour’s pace is quite full, so travelers should be prepared for early mornings and a busy itinerary. Also, some sites have been affected by tourism—wear comfortable shoes and be ready for crowds.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best for history lovers and those interested in Egypt’s cultural sites but who prefer to have the logistics handled for them. It suits travelers who value expert guides and are okay with a somewhat rigorous schedule.

Couples or small groups looking for a luxury experience with all major sights covered will find this package ideal. It’s also great for first-timers who want a rundown without sacrificing depth.

The Sum Up

This 11-day Egypt tour offers a thorough exploration of the country’s most iconic sites, balanced with comfort and expert guidance. The inclusion of Nile cruises, flights, and all major attractions ensures that travelers get a well-rounded experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

While it’s a bit fast-paced, the value in guided insights, comfortable hotels, and access to Egypt’s most famous monuments makes it a solid choice for those eager to understand and appreciate Egypt’s history firsthand. It caters well to travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it a memorable introduction to the land of the Pharaohs.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, solo travelers can join and enjoy a personalized experience with guides and transportation arranged just for their group.

Are most meals included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast every day, buffet lunches on the cruise, and dinners on the cruise, making dining straightforward and convenient.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
You will stay in 5-star hotels in Cairo and on a deluxe Nile cruise, ensuring comfort and a touch of luxury throughout.

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and your guide will meet you at the airport to start your journey.

Are there any site visits that require extra fee?
All major sites listed in the itinerary include admission tickets, so there should be no hidden costs for the main attractions.

Can I participate if I am traveling with children?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 6 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than that may incur fees or no refund at all.

This detailed review highlights not only what the tour offers but also what you can expect from each part of your Egyptian adventure. Whether you’re after history, culture, or just an unforgettable journey, this package provides a solid foundation to explore Egypt’s timeless allure.