12 Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Nile Cruise, and Bahariya Oasis
Best Classic 12 Day Egypt Itinerary with an Oasis Twist: Cairo, Nile Cruise, Bahariya OasisDuration
Tour Type
Schedule
About Your Trip
This comprehensive 12 Day Egypt Itinerary delves into a world of pharaohs, ancient wonders, and the captivating beauty of the Nile. Explore the iconic Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and treasures of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Fly to Luxor, cruise the Nile, and discover the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel. Uncover Aswan’s highlights and venture into the Black and White Deserts for a unique experience. Enjoy a free day in Cairo or opt for an excursion to Alexandria’s sites.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the iconic Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and Cairo's renowned Egyptian Museum.
- Cruise the legendary Nile River, visiting stunning ancient temples.
- Discover the Valley of the Kings and the grand temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Luxor.
- Witness the awe-inspiring architectural marvel of the Abu Simbel Temples.
- Explore Aswan's highlights, including the High Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple.
- Venture into the otherworldly landscapes of the Black and White Deserts.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
- Visit the Valley of the Golden Mummies, home to unique Greco-Roman mummies.
- Immerse yourself in the ancient capital of Memphis and the historic Cairo Citadel.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
- Arrival: Welcomed at Cairo Airport, formalities smoothed out, transfer to hotel.
- Relax and Unwind: Time to settle in, explore the hotel, and discuss the itinerary.
Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, & Memphis
- Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Explore the iconic pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx.
- Valley Temple: Learn about mummification at the Valley Temple of Khafra.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal.
- Saqqara: Visit the complex containing the Step Pyramid and other ancient monuments.
- Memphis: Explore the ruins of Egypt’s ancient capital city.
Day 3: Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel, & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
- Egyptian Museum: Discover treasures of ancient Egypt.
- Lunch: Another delicious taste of local cuisine.
- Cairo Citadel: Visit this historic fortress and the Mohamed Ali Mosque.
- Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Experience the vibrant market atmosphere.
Day 4: Fly to Luxor, East Bank Tour
- Fly to Luxor: Transfer to the airport and fly to Luxor.
- Karnak Temple: Explore the vast open-air museum of Karnak.
- Luxor Temple: Admire the temple built over various historical periods.
- Nile Cruise Check-In: Board your luxurious Nile cruise.
Day 5: Luxor West Bank Tour
- Valley of the Kings: Explore burial sites of pharaohs
- Hatshepsut Temple: Visit the temple of Egypt’s female ruler.
- Colossi of Memnon: View the giant statues of Amenhotep III.
Day 6: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
- Kom Ombo Temple: Explore the temple dedicated to two deities.
- Edfu Temple: Visit one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples.
Day 7: Abu Simbel Temples Tour
- Abu Simbel Temples: Witness the architectural marvel of Ramesses II’s temples.
Day 8: Aswan City Tour & Back to Cairo
- Aswan High Dam: See this modern construction protecting Egypt.
- Unfinished Obelisk: View the massive, incomplete obelisk.
- Philae Temple: Explore the beautiful temple complex on an island.
- Fly to Cairo: Return to Cairo and transfer to your hotel.
Day 9: Open Day in Cairo / Optional Alexandria Tour
- Free Time: Enjoy a day at leisure in Cairo.
Optional Alexandria Tour:
- Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa: Explore Roman-era tombs
- Alexandria Library: Visit the modern library
- Lunch: Enjoy an authentic Egyptian meal
- Citadel of Qaitbay: See the historic seaside fortress
- Pompey’s Pillar: Visit the remains of an ancient temple complex
Day 10: Tour to Bahariya Oasis
- Black Desert: Explore the unique landscape of the Black Desert.
- English House: See the remnants of World War II structures.
- Tomb of Bannantiu: Explore this elaborate ancient tomb.
- Valley of the Golden Mummies: Discover mummies from the Greco-Roman period.
Day 11: White Desert Tour & Back to Cairo
- Crystal Mountain: See the formations of quartzite crystals.
- Agabat Valley: Witness unique limestone and chalk rock formations.
- White Desert: Explore this otherworldly landscape.
Day 12: Final Departure
- Breakfast & Check-Out: Final meal at the hotel before leaving.
- Departure: Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
- Meet and greet service by our representatives at airports
- 6 Nights Accommodation in Cairo with breakfast
- 4 Nights Accommodation on 5* Nile Cruise
- 1 Night Accommodation in Bahariya with breakfast
- Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary
- Bottled water during the trip
- English-speaking Guide
- All service charges and taxes
- Domestic Flight ticket
What's Excluded
- Entry visa to Egypt
- International Airfare
- Any optional tours
- Personal Spending
- Beverage
- Tipping (It's recommended)
Tour Prices
4 Star Accommodation
Hotels: Pyramids by Jaz - Swiss In Golf - Helnan Dream Cruises: Radamis - Princess Sarah - Royal Princess-
Per person in DBL or TRPL Room = $1810
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Solo Traveler = $2850
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Christmas & Easter - DBL or TRPL Room = $2260
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Christmas & Easter - Solo Traveler = $3420
5 Star Accommodation
Hotels: Steigenberger - Ramses Hilton - Hilton Gulf Cruises: Blue Shadow - Emilio - Nile Premium-
Per person in DBL or TRPL Room = $1905
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Solo Traveler = $2995
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Christmas & Easter - DBL or TRPL Room = $2410
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Christmas & Easter - Solo Traveler = $3580
Important Info
Pricing Details
All quoted prices are in US dollars per individual for each journey. Payment can be made in any preferred currency. Please note that quoted rates are subject to change if there are variations in airport taxes, hotel costs, transportation fees, or government levies. These rates are not applicable for bookings during the Christmas and New Year periods. The package does not cover travel insurance or visa fees.
Gratuities in Egypt
Gratuities are not included in our package prices and are left to the discretion of our clients. While tipping is optional, it is highly appreciated by those who will be assisting you throughout your travels.
Additional Expenses
During your trip, you might incur extra personal costs, which could include, but are not limited to, a food tour, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, visa charges, recreational activities, and other non-included services. The additional costs during your journey may comprise:
- Visa application fees (refer to Visa and Passport Information for details).
- Any personal transport requests.
- Tips for your guide and driver post-trip.
- Additional hotel stays and meals due to unexpected events like poor weather or flight cancellations.
Optional Visits & Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to exclusive archaeological sites, including the interior of the pyramids, the mummies’ room in the museum, or the Tutankhamun tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, are not covered in our Egypt tour packages.
Booking and Payment Policy
Upon successful booking, a confirmation voucher is sent via email within 24 hours. To secure your booking, including accommodations, cruise cabins, domestic flights, and other services, we only require a 25% down payment. The balance can be settled up to two days prior to your arrival or in cash upon arrival to your tour manager, ensuring a secure booking process.
Cancellation Terms
- Cancellation more than 30 days before the tour starts: 10% of the tour package cost.
- Cancellation 30 to 20 days before the tour: 25% of the package price.
- Cancellation 19 to 15 days before the tour begins: 50% of the package cost.
- Cancellation 14 to 11 days before the tour: 75% of the package price.
- Cancellation 10 days or less before the tour: No refund available.
Child Pricing
- Children up to 2 years: Free.
- Children aged 2 to under 6 years: Charged at 25% of the adult rate.
- Children aged 6 to 11 years: 50% of the adult rate.
- Children 12 years and older: Full adult rate.
Please Note: The children’s policy applies when children share a room with their parents (maximum of one child per parent’s room). If your tour includes airfare, there may be additional charges for your children.