- Duration
- 9 days · 8 nights
- Trip type
- Private guided
- Group size
- 2–8 guests
Overview
Egypt is the country we send the most travelers to, and the reason is simple: nothing on the planet matches the density of antiquity along the Nile. Our classic itinerary moves from Cairo's pyramids through Aswan's temples and down to Luxor's Valley of the Kings, with three nights aboard a small-ship Nile cruise in the middle.
We pair every group with a private Egyptologist guide who's been with us for years — not a freelancer pulled from a roster. The hotels and the cruise have been hand-picked and re-vetted every season since 1993. There are no surprises, no upsell pressure, no rushed visits to make the bus schedule.
Best for first-time visitors who want depth without exhaustion. Travelers who prefer a slower pace can split into ten or twelve days; ask your specialist.
The route
Day by day, at a glance
Day 1 · Cairo
Arrival
Day 2 · Cairo
Pyramids and the Sphinx
Day 3 · Cairo → Aswan
Coptic Cairo + flight to Aswan
Day 4 · Aswan
Philae, the High Dam, and the felucca
Day 5 · Aswan → Kom Ombo
Nile cruise embarks
Day 6 · Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor
On the river
Day 7 · Luxor
East Bank
Day 8 · Luxor
West Bank
Day 9 · Luxor
Departure
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 · Cairo
Arrival
Met on arrival at Cairo International by your specialist's local representative. Private transfer to your hotel near Tahrir Square; the rest of the day at leisure to recover from the flight.
Marriott Mena HouseDay 2 · Cairo
Pyramids and the Sphinx
A full day on the Giza Plateau with your guide. The Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Sphinx, and an optional descent into the burial chamber. Late lunch at a Bedouin tent restaurant overlooking the site, then time at the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Marriott Mena HouseBreakfast, LunchDay 3 · Cairo → Aswan
Coptic Cairo + flight to Aswan
Morning at the Egyptian Museum's antiquities wing — Tutankhamun, the royal mummies, the Old Kingdom statuary. Afternoon flight to Aswan; transfer to your hotel above the Nile cataracts.
Sofitel Legend Old CataractBreakfastDay 4 · Aswan
Philae, the High Dam, and the felucca
Boat trip to Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, on its island setting. Visit the Aswan High Dam and the unfinished obelisk in the quarries. Late afternoon felucca sail to Kitchener's Island and the Aga Khan's mausoleum.
Sofitel Legend Old CataractBreakfast, DinnerDay 5 · Aswan → Kom Ombo
Nile cruise embarks
Board your small-ship Nile cruiser. Optional excursion to Abu Simbel by air (additional). Afternoon sail downstream to Kom Ombo; evening visit to the temple of Sobek and Haroeris at sunset.
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV (or similar)Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 6 · Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor
On the river
Morning at Edfu's Temple of Horus — the most complete of the Ptolemaic temples. Cruise continues past Esna Lock to Luxor. Evening at leisure on board.
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV (or similar)Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 7 · Luxor
East Bank
Disembark in Luxor. Karnak Temple in the morning — the largest religious building ever constructed. Late afternoon at Luxor Temple, lit at dusk. Overnight at the Winter Palace.
Sofitel Winter PalaceBreakfastDay 8 · Luxor
West Bank
Cross to the Valley of the Kings for three royal tombs (Tutankhamun optional, additional). The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. The Colossi of Memnon. Free afternoon.
Sofitel Winter PalaceBreakfast, LunchDay 9 · Luxor
Departure
Private transfer to Luxor International for your homeward flight. Connecting flights through Cairo arranged on request.
Breakfast
Where you'll stay
Accommodations
Days 1–2 · Cairo
Marriott Mena House
Days 3–4 · Cairo → Aswan
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract
Days 5–6 · Aswan → Kom Ombo
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV (or similar)
Days 7–8 · Luxor
Sofitel Winter Palace
How it works
Made to order
- Every Tourcan trip is built by a specialist, not a template — the route, hotels, and pace are tuned to how you want to travel.
- Dates are flexible. There are no fixed departures; we plan around your calendar.
- Quotes and bookings happen by phone and email with your specialist — no automated checkout, just a real conversation.
What's included
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- 8 nights accommodation in 4★ and 5★ properties
- 3 nights small-ship Nile cruise (Aswan → Luxor)
- Private Egyptologist guide for all touring
- All domestic transfers and intra-Egypt flight (Cairo → Aswan)
- All meals on cruise; breakfast daily at hotels
- All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- Bottled water and snacks throughout
- 24/7 in-destination support line
Not included
- International airfare to/from Cairo or Luxor
- Egyptian e-visa (~CAD $35, arranged online before travel)
- Optional Abu Simbel air excursion (~CAD $475/pp)
- Optional Tutankhamun tomb entry (~CAD $40/pp)
- Gratuities for guide, driver, and cruise crew
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended; we can refer)
- Personal expenses, alcohol, laundry
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of any Tourcan itinerary. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.