3-Day Nile Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Nile itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar

• 1 Day Luxor Itinerary, incl. Valley of the Kings and Nile River

  The ultimate Luxor tour spans 12 hours: float above the city in a dawn balloon flight, delve into the Valley of the Kings for 2 hours, visit Hatshepsut Temple, and sail by felucca to Banana Island. Professional guide and hotel transfers included.

  

  View itinerary Compare 1 day itineraries
  • Day 1

    Luxor & Valley of the Kings and Nile River

    Your day starts with a 4:30 AM hotel pickup for the hot air balloon experience. Pack some layers since desert mornings can be cool. From most East Bank hotels it's about a 30-minute drive to the West Bank launch site. You'll spend 35-45 minutes in the air, perfectly timed to catch sunrise over the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. A recent visitor shared: "Watching the sun rise over the ancient temples while floating silently above was absolutely magical - just remember to bring your camera!". Morning (7:30-11:30 AM): Visit to the Valley of the Kings. Get to the Valley of the Kings right when it opens at 8:00 AM. This helps you avoid crowds and the midday heat. While there are 63 tombs total only about 8 are usually open to visitors. A standard ticket lets you visit three tombs but King Tut's tomb needs a separate ticket. The valley offers little shade so bring plenty of water. After exploring take a quick 15-minute drive to Hatshepsut Temple where morning light provides the best photo opportunities of its stunning terraces. Midday (12:00-2:30 PM): Felucca Sail on the Nile River. Take a break with a traditional felucca sail on the Nile River. The trip to Banana Island takes about 45 minutes each way. One visitor noted: "We enjoyed a peaceful felucca ride on the Nile soaking in the serene beauty of the river and its surroundings. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the incredible sights we had seen.". Afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Explore Banana Island. Explore Banana Island's green plantation landscape which feels worlds away from the morning's desert sites. You'll get to see rural Egyptian life along the Nile and discover more fruits growing besides just bananas. Enjoy some Egyptian tea during your sunset sail back.

    

  View itinerary

• 1 Day Cairo Nile Felucca Trip Itinerary, incl. Downtown Cairo and Nile River

  A traditional felucca carries you past Cairo's waterfront landmarks during this 1-hour sail. Your private Egyptologist guide shares cultural insights while navigating past bridges and modern towers. Hotel transfers and refreshments provided.

  

  View itinerary Compare 1 day itineraries
  • Day 1

    Nile

    Book a late morning departure around 10 AM to avoid rush hour traffic, especially if you're staying in Giza. The drive to the downtown pier takes 30-45 minutes depending on your hotel location. Wear comfortable light clothing and bring something warm. The river breeze can be cool even on hot days.

    

  View itinerary

• 1 Day Cairo & Giza Pyramids, incl. Giza Plateau and Sakkara

  The mighty pyramids and ancient river combine in this full-day adventure. Tour three major pyramids and Sphinx with an expert Egyptologist before an evening Felucca ride showcases Cairo's timeless connection to the Nile.

  

  View itinerary Compare 1 day itineraries
  • Day 1

    Cairo & Giza Pyramids

    Morning in Giza (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM). Get to the Giza pyramid complex by 8:00 AM to beat the heat and crowds. The site opens at 7:00 AM in summer and 8:00 AM in winter. You'll get better photos without tour buses in the background. One visitor shared: "Ragab was fantastic and helped me take mind-blowing photos - go early when the light is perfect for photography." Give yourself about 90 minutes to explore the Great Pyramid of Cheops including walking its 756-foot base and taking photos. The ancient limestone blocks can be slippery so wear shoes with good grip. If you want to go inside the pyramid you'll need an extra ticket. Just know it involves walking through narrow passages that are hot and cramped.

    

  View itinerary