10-Day Nile Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Nile itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Egypt, incl. Cairo and Luxor

  A 10-day Nile adventure from Luxor to Aswan includes 5 nights aboard a Dahabiya sailboat. Major temples including Karnak, Luxor, and Edfu, plus hidden gems like El Kab tomb complex showcase authentic river life.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Cairo & Giza

    Start in Cairo with a full day at the Giza pyramid complex. Get to the pyramids before 8 AM to avoid crowds and heat. You'll need about 3 hours to explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu and Sphinx properly. In the afternoon when it's cooler visit Sakkara. The Step Pyramid here gets fewer visitors than Giza but tells an important story about how pyramids evolved.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Luxor's East & West Banks

    Fly to Luxor early morning (1-hour flight). Visit the East Bank temples first. Karnak looks best in morning light while Luxor Temple really shines at sunset. For the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank get there by 6:30 AM before it gets too hot. Take lots of water and sun protection since the tombs offer little shade.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Nile Cruise Experience

    Choose a traditional dahabiya sailboat instead of a big cruise ship for a more personal experience. These smaller boats can visit ports and islands that bigger ships can't reach. You'll see places like El Kab's cliff tombs and the Temple of Edfu. A recent visitor shared: "Watching local life unfold along the Nile banks from our dahabiya was magical - so different from the bigger cruise ships. We could dock at small islands and actually interact with villagers."

    
  • Day 8

    Abu Simbel

    Take an early flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel (40 minutes). The temples look most impressive at sunrise and you'll beat the crowds. Pack light since you'll go back to Cairo the same day. Bring plenty of water as it gets very hot by midday.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Cairo's Cultural Heart

    Visit the Egyptian Museum early to see Tutankhamun's treasures before tour groups arrive. Try a food tour through Islamic Cairo in the afternoon exploring old alleyways and markets. Use your last day to see anything you missed or shop at Khan el-Khalili bazaar before leaving.

    

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• 8 Days in Egypt Nile Cruise, incl. Luxor and Aswan

  The Nile reveals its secrets over 8 days visiting 5 cities from Luxor to Aswan, with 7 nights on a 5-star cruise. Six major temples including Karnak, Luxor, and Philae, plus Valley of the Kings await. Abu Simbel excursion and hot air balloon ride available.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Luxor

    Begin in Luxor, the religious capital of ancient Egypt. Visit the vast Karnak Temple complex on your first afternoon. Plan to arrive before 4pm to avoid crowds and the strongest sun. "The temples were all impressive. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helped bring the ancient history to life." Day 2 offers an optional hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. It needs a 4am wake-up but delivers stunning sunrise views. Visit the Valley to explore three royal tombs where original paint colors still shine after thousands of years. Add stops at Queen Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon before sailing to Edfu.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Edfu to Aswan

    Start with a morning visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Next, sail to Kom Ombo to see its unique double temple built for two gods. In Aswan, you'll tour the High Dam and take a felucca boat ride around Elephantine Island. Visit the Philae Temple complex at sunset for the best experience. This temple was carefully moved to save it from flooding when the dam was built.

    
  • Day 5

    Abu Simbel (Optional)

    Consider the day trip to Abu Simbel. While it means a 3am start and 6-hour drive each way, previous visitors say it's worth it: "DO NOT miss the add-on trip to the temples at Abu Simbel!! If you book this cruise, this is absolutely worth the extra cost and journey."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Return Journey to Luxor

    Take two peaceful days sailing back to Luxor. Watch the Nile scenery glow in the late afternoon light. One traveler suggests: "Cruising on the river is one of the most relaxing experiences - don't overpack your schedule these days."

    
  • Day 8

    Departure

    Head to Luxor airport. Book afternoon flights if possible to avoid morning traffic.

    

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• 9 Day Egypt Itinerary, incl. Cairo and Luxor

  The Nile's grandeur unfolds over 9 days with 4 nights on a 5-star cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Marvel at Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, and Abu Simbel. Soar over ancient ruins in sunrise balloon rides and enjoy traditional Nubian entertainment.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Cairo & Pyramids

    Visit the Pyramids of Giza early at 8 AM to beat the crowds and heat. The Saqqara step pyramid offers a quieter experience and shows how pyramid construction evolved. A recent visitor said: "The knowledge and passion our guide showed at Saqqara really brought the history to life - make sure to visit the tomb of Kagemni to see the incredibly preserved wall paintings."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Luxor's East & West Banks

    Take the overnight train to Luxor which takes 10-12 hours. Explore Karnak Temple first thing - you'll need 2-3 hours to see it properly. Book a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the Valley of the Kings for about $120 USD. They'll pick you up at 5 AM and have you back by 8 AM. One traveler noted: "Watching the sun rise over the Nile while floating above the Valley of the Kings was absolutely humbling. Bring a light jacket as morning temperatures can be surprisingly cool."

    
  • Days 4-5

    Nile Cruise to Edfu & Kom Ombo

    Your Nile cruise offers a slower pace to enjoy the scenery. The trip from Luxor to Aswan takes 3-4 days with temple stops along the way. Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu by horse-drawn carriage before 9 AM to avoid the rush. Plan to see Kom Ombo temple when the sun sets for the best views.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Aswan & Abu Simbel

    The Abu Simbel trip starts at 4 AM with a 3-hour drive each way but is well worth your time. In Aswan, check out the High Dam and take a boat to Philae Temple. Wear sturdy shoes since the temple grounds are uneven. You might want to visit a Nubian village in the evening.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Return to Cairo

    Take another overnight train back to Cairo. Spend your last day exploring Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili bazaar. You could also take a day trip to Alexandria which is 2.5 hours away. End your trip with a Nile dinner cruise - ask your hotel to book it as prices can vary a lot.

    

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