Hurghada: 9-Day Egypt Tour, Nile Cruise, Balloon, Flights

Exploring Egypt in 9 days sounds like a whirlwind, but this particular tour promises a well-rounded journey into Egypt’s ancient wonders and lively modern culture. Although we haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews highlight its combination of historical exploration, scenic cruises, and fun activities like hot air ballooning and snorkeling.

What quickly stands out is the variety of experiences: from Luxor’s majestic temples and tombs to the peaceful waters of Orange Bay, and the spiritual ascent of Mount Sinai. The tour also offers flights and comfortable accommodations, making it convenient and luxurious.

A small consideration is the packed schedule—traveling between sites, especially the early mornings and long drives, can feel intense for some. But if you’re eager to maximize your time and see all of Egypt’s iconic highlights, this tour fits the bill.

This experience is perfect for travelers who love history, want a mix of adventure and relaxation, and don’t mind a busy itinerary. Families, history buffs, and those seeking a comprehensive Egyptian adventure are especially likely to find it rewarding.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: Combines city tours, Nile cruises, and outdoor activities like balloon rides and snorkeling.
• Rich Historical Sites: Visits to Luxor, Abu Simbel, and the Valley of the Kings offer deep insight into ancient Egypt.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes flights, hotel stays, and private transportation, streamlining logistics.
• Authentic Activities: Hot air ballooning, camel rides, and snorkeling add a fun, immersive touch.
• Cultural Insights: Expert guides with knowledge of Egypt’s history and mythology help bring sites to life.
• Value for Money: At $1,070 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with many included activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the 9-Day Egypt Tour

Starting Strong in Hurghada

The journey begins with airport pickup in Hurghada, a vibrant Red Sea city known for its coral reefs and resorts. You’ll settle into a comfortable hotel and have the evening free to relax after your flight. This initial day sets a leisurely tone, giving you time to acclimate and soak in the seaside atmosphere.

Day 2: Beach Day & Snorkeling at Orange Bay

This day is dedicated to unwinding and enjoying some of Egypt’s stunning coastlines. The tour offers a trip to Orange Bay or Paradise Island, depending on availability. Here, you can snorkel over coral reefs, lounge on white sands reminiscent of the Maldives, and indulge in a buffet with a variety of dishes.

Guests often mention the friendly crew and the beautiful water, making it a perfect escape from the hustle. One reviewer noted, “The water was crystal clear, and the crew made sure everyone had a great time,” emphasizing the relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Luxor’s West Bank & Nile Serenity

Early morning departure from Hurghada takes you to Luxor, a city often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. Once there, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, where Egyptian pharaohs found their final resting places. This site is famous for its elaborate tombs and beautifully painted chambers, with the opportunity to see the tomb of Tutankhamun if included.

Next, the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut offers spectacular architecture and vital insights into the influence of one of Egypt’s few female rulers. The Colossi of Memnon serve as a quick photo stop, showcasing massive statues guarding the ruins.

After a long day of exploration, you’ll board your luxury 5-star Nile cruise, where relaxing on deck with Nile views becomes your new favorite pastime. The sunset cruise on a Felucca is a peaceful way to enjoy Luxor’s evening skyline, which many reviews describe as a magical experience.

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Day 4: Hot Air Balloon & East Bank Temples

This day is a highlight for many travelers—the hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Rising early, you’ll join a small group and float above the ancient temples, witnessing sunrise light wash over the Nile and the city. The view of Luxor’s temples and surrounding landscape from above offers a perspective few get to see.

Post-balloon, your private guide takes you to the Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex of interconnected temples and pylons that took generations to build. Following that, the Luxor Temple provides a stunning example of New Kingdom architecture, especially impressive lit up at night.

You’ll then sail the Nile to Edfu, getting a relaxing break on the cruise. The blend of adventure and leisure keeps this day engaging.

Day 5: Edfu & Kom Ombo

The morning starts with a visit to the Horus Temple in Edfu, a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple that’s considered a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture. The intricate carvings and imposing structure give a true sense of the religious and artistic skills of the time.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the unique Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to two gods—Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed deity. Many reviews mention the interesting dual design and the local guide’s storytelling, making this a memorable stop.

The cruise continues sailing northward, offering scenic views and downtime to relax.

Day 6: Abu Simbel & Nubian Village

A very popular day because of the remarkable Abu Simbel temples. Built by Ramses II, these colossal statues carved into the mountains are awe-inspiring. The trip involves a long drive, but the spectacle of the temples—especially when seen in the early morning light—is worth every minute.

Afterward, you’ll visit a Nubian village, where you can enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine and learn about Nubian culture. This combination of monumental history and local life provides a well-rounded experience.

Later that day, you fly to Cairo, where a driver awaits to transfer you to your hotel for the night, giving you a chance to rest before more exploration.

Days 7 & 8: Mount Sinai & Sharm El Sheikh

From Cairo, a flight takes you to Sharm El Sheikh. The next morning, you’ll head to Mount Sinai for a memorable night hike up to watch the sunrise from the mountain’s summit—an experience steeped in spiritual history and breathtaking views. Many reviews describe the early morning ascent as a highlight, especially with the quiet desert and starry sky.

Following the sunrise, a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, the world’s oldest working Christian monastery, allows for reflection and appreciation of religious history. After a full day, you can relax at your hotel, enjoying Sharm’s beaches or other leisure activities.

Day 9: Cairo & Giza Pyramids

The final day involves flying back to Cairo, where you’ll visit the Great Pyramids of Giza—a must-see icon of Egypt. The tour includes a stop at the Egyptian Museum, housing priceless artifacts including Tutankhamun’s treasures. The combination of these iconic sites makes for an impressive wrap-up.

You’ll finish the trip with an authentic Egyptian lunch before a transfer to your accommodation, leaving you with lasting memories of Egypt’s wonders.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering

Transport & Comfort: The tour’s inclusion of flights, private air-conditioned vehicles, and 5-star cruise ships ensures smooth logistics and a touch of luxury. The long drives, especially to Abu Simbel, are manageable thanks to comfortable transportation and scheduled breaks.

Expert Guides & Authentic Insights: Several reviews mention knowledgeable guides who help explain the significance of ancient sites, making the experience more meaningful. The guides’ ability to answer detailed questions about Egypt’s history and mythology adds depth that self-guided tours might lack.

Activities & Experiences: The hot air balloon ride, snorkeling, camel rides, and Nubian village visits inject fun and personality into the trip. Many travelers describe the balloon experience as “magical” and the Nubian visit as authentic and engaging.

Value & Inclusivity: At $1,070, the package covers a lot—hotels, flights, tours, and activities—reducing the stress of planning and booking separately. The opportunity to upgrade to deluxe cruises or guides in different languages offers flexibility for different budgets.

Potential Drawbacks: The packed schedule might leave some feeling rushed, especially with early mornings and long drives. Also, entry fees and drinks are not included, so budget accordingly for those extras.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers eager to see Egypt’s most iconic sights without the hassle of organizing individual tickets and transportation. History lovers will appreciate the detailed visits to temples, tombs, and museums. Adventure seekers will enjoy the hot air balloon ride and snorkeling, while those interested in culture will value Nubian and local experiences.

Those looking for a comprehensive, well-organized trip that balances history, scenery, and leisure will find this tour a great option. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want a blend of luxury and adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included throughout the trip? Yes, private air-conditioned vehicles are provided for all transfers, including airport pickups, city tours, and long drives between sites.

Are flights between cities included? Yes, the tour includes flights from Hurghada to Cairo, Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh, and back, simplifying travel between key locations.

What activities are included? Highlights include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling at Orange Bay, camel rides, and visits to ancient temples and tombs.

Are accommodations provided? The package offers two nights in Cairo, three nights on a Nile cruise, two nights in Hurghada, and one in Sharm El Sheikh, all at a 5-star standard.

What is not included in the price? Entry fees, drinks (including water), and optional guides in other languages are not covered but can be arranged at an additional cost.

Can I customize the experience? While the itinerary is fixed, options like upgrading the cruise or guides in different languages are available for an extra fee.

Overall, this 9-day Egyptian adventure offers a thoughtfully curated mix of history, scenery, and culture. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting to see everything from the pyramids to the Nubian villages while enjoying the comforts of private transport and luxury accommodations. If you’re ready for a busy, enriching, and visually stunning trip, this tour ticks many boxes and promises memories that will last a lifetime.

You can check availability for your dates here: