10 Days Egypt Tour: Cairo Pyramids, Nile Cruise & Sharm el-Sheikh Snorkeling

Welcome to Egypt!

Backed by our local Egyptian team with over 35 years of expertise, AOT ensures a seamless Egypt tour to unveil the mysteries of the Pyramids—delving into the very heart and soul of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Upon arrival, your Egypt guide will wait for you in Cairo International Airport (CAI) and then escort you to your hotel in Cairo/Giza.

The rest day in Cairo/Giza is free on your own to relax yourself. You can shake off the jet lag with a leisurely neighborhood stroll or enjoy a quiet family dinner to rest up for the days ahead.

Optional Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show (from $65.00 US Dollars/person)

• Time: 20:30
• Duration: 1.5h
• Address: Sphinx Square, Giza (Directly in front of the Great Sphinx and Pyramids)

Watch the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx come alive under a spectacular display of lights and laser effects. Guided by the narrator's voice, you will journey back through millennia to uncover the dramatic history and myths of ancient Egypt.

Today after breakfast, your Egyptologist guide will unveil the history and mysteries of the three iconic pyramids: Khufu,Khafre, and Menkaure. These structures stand as the only surviving wonderof the ancient world. You will enjoy some free time to explore, with the optionto step inside a pyramid's burial chamber (optional; guides are notpermitted inside).

Next, you will driveacross the plateau to a panoramic viewpoint. This is the perfect spot tophotograph all three pyramids rising from the desert sands against the distantCairo skyline.

Then, visit the ValleyTemple of Khafre, an ancient site adjacent to the Great Sphinx. It washistorically used for the purification and mummification rituals of the pharaohbefore burial.

A short drive to theedge of the plateau brings you to the feet of the Great Sphinx. Thislegendary monument measures 190 feet long and 65 feet high. Carved from asingle massive block of limestone, it features the body of a lion and the headof a pharaoh, standing as a loyal guardian over the royal tombs.

After exploring Giza,you can head directly to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), or choose tostay around the pyramids for an ATV quad bike adventure or a camel ride.

The Grand EgyptianMuseum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. Itbrings 5,000 years of history to life through more than 100,000 incredibleartifacts. As you walk in, you are greeted by a colossal statue of Ramesses IIbefore exploring 12 massive exhibition halls. The absolute highlight is KingTutankhamun’s complete tomb collection. For the first time since its 1920sdiscovery, his golden mask, inner coffins, royal thrones, and the ancient KhufuSolar Boat are all fully displayed together in one place.

After a full day Giza tour, your guide/driver will escort you to your hotel in Giza/Cairo.

Today after breakfast, you will catch a flight from Cairo to Luxor (1h). Upon arrival, your local guide will warmly welcome you at Luxor Airport or your hotel in Luxor. Today is beginning of your unforgettable 5 Days 4 Nights Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan.

Before boarding your cruise, start your journey on Luxor’s East Bank with a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site ever built in ancient Egypt. Walk along the ceremonial Avenue of Sphinxes and step into the breathtaking Great Hypostyle Hall, where 134 colossal sandstone columns create an unforgettable scene. Admire the soaring obelisks, sacred lake, and beautifully carved temples as your guide brings the stories of ancient pharaohs to life.

After the tour, transfer to your 5-star Nile cruise and enjoy a delicious onboard lunch featuring international and vegetarian dishes. Spend the afternoon at leisure, either relaxing on the ship or exploring Luxor at your own pace.

In the evening, savor dinner onboard and enjoy the cruise’s entertainment. Accommodate on the 5 star cruise.

Wake up to a beautiful morning on the Nile and enjoy breakfast onboard your cruise in Luxor.

For an unforgettable start to the day, you may choose an optional hot air balloon ride, soaring above the Nile, the Valley of the Kings, and the desert landscape as the sun rises over ancient Thebes.

After breakfast, disembark to explore Luxor’s legendary West Bank, the ancient “City of the Dead.”

West Bank in Luxor:

Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings, the hidden burial place of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs. Tucked beneath the limestone cliffs of Al-Qurn, this remarkable necropolis is home to elaborately decorated royal tombs. Visit three fascinating tombs and admire their colorful wall paintings, where vivid reds, yellows, and blues have survived for more than 3,000 years.

Tour Note: Premium tombs, including those of Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramesses VI, require separate entrance tickets. Your guide will be happy to assist if you wish to visit them.

Continue to the magnificent Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Luxor’s most photogenic landmarks. Built into dramatic limestone cliffs, its elegant terraces showcase the vision and power of Egypt’s most famous female pharaoh.

Before leaving the West Bank, stop for photos at the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have watched over the Theban Plain for more than three millennia.

Sail to Edfu & Pass Through Esna Lock

Return to the cruise for lunch as the ship begins sailing south toward Edfu. Relax with afternoon tea on the sundeck and admire the peaceful scenery of the Nile Valley.

Along the way, your cruise will pass through the Esna Lock, an impressive engineering feature that raises or lowers ships to different water levels. Watching the vessel smoothly navigate the lock from the sundeck is a memorable part of the Nile cruise experience. The crossing usually takes 20–60 minutes, depending on river traffic.

Enjoy dinner and onboard entertainment before spending the night on the cruise in Edfu.

Wake up to another beautiful day on the Nile and enjoy breakfast onboard as your cruise remains docked in Edfu.

After breakfast, take a short horse carriage ride (3.5 km) to the magnificent Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Buried beneath desert sand for centuries, it survived remarkably intact and offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Egyptian architecture. Marvel at its towering entrance pylon, guarded by two impressive granite statues of Horus, the falcon god. Inside, stroll through grand halls, admire beautifully carved reliefs, and discover hidden chambers, including the ancient sanctuary and the room believed to have been used for preparing sacred perfumes.

After the visit, return to the cruise by horse-drawn carriage and continue sailing toward Kom Ombo. Enjoy lunch onboard while taking in the tranquil scenery of the Nile Valley.

In the afternoon, arrive at the unique Kom Ombo Temple, conveniently located just a short walk from the cruise pier. Unlike any other temple in Egypt, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods: Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god, and Sobek, the crocodile god. Explore its symmetrical halls, fascinating carvings, and remarkable reliefs depicting ancient surgical instruments and calendars. Before leaving, visit the nearby Crocodile Museum to see remarkably preserved mummified crocodiles that reveal the importance of Sobek worship in ancient Egypt.

Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Aswan. Relax with afternoon tea on the sundeck, followed by dinner, onboard entertainment, and an overnight stay on the Nile in Aswan.

After your Abu Simbel Temples tour, be ready to be escorted back to Aswan (3.5h). Then, you will catch a flight from Aswan to Cairo (1h), and another flight from Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh (1h).

Alternative Aswan to Sharm El Sheikh Direct Flight:

In winter peak seasons, there may be direct flight from Aswan to Sharm El Sheikh. Our travel experts continuously monitor the latest flight availability and will recommend the best flight option to ensure a smooth and comfortable Egypt journey.

Upon arrival at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, your guide/driver will wait for you there and then pick you up to your hotel in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Today is yours to enjoy the true spirit of a Red Sea holiday. Unlike the sightseeing-focused days along the Nile, Sharm El-Sheikh is all about relaxation, sunshine, and resort living.

Spend a leisurely morning at your all-inclusive resort, unwind on the private beach, lounge by the pool, enjoy water sports, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply do nothing at all. Time to slow down.

Optional Afternoon Desert Safari & Camp Dinner:

For travelers seeking a different side of Sinai, an exciting optional desert adventure awaits in the afternoon. Around 3:00 PM, ride an ATV quad bike across rolling sand dunes and rugged desert trails (1-2 hours) before enjoying a traditional camel ride (20 minutes around) to a Bedouin village. Learn about the customs and lifestyle of the local Bedouin people, relax in a desert camp.

As evening falls, enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style dinner accompanied by cultural performances, including Belly Dancing, a Fire Show and some Acrobatic shows, Arabic music, and a Tannura Show.

Far away from city lights, the desert offers excellent stargazing opportunities, allowing you to admire the brilliant night sky above the Sinai Peninsula.

After this memorable desert experience, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Sharm El-Sheikh.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the world-famous Ras Mohammed National Park, one of the most spectacular marine reserves in the Red Sea and a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike.

Board a boat and cruise along the stunning coastline to explore vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life.

For certified divers, the highlights of the day include the legendary Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, regarded as two of the finest dive sites in Egypt. These reefs are renowned for their dramatic underwater walls, colorful coral gardens, and schools of tropical fish.

Snorkelers can also enjoy exceptional visibility and rich marine ecosystems at carefully selected reef locations within the park.

Between snorkeling or diving sessions, relax on deck, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy lunch served onboard while admiring panoramic views of the Red Sea. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and the countless species of fish that inhabit these protected waters.

The boat returns to the marina in the late afternoon, followed by a transfer back to your hotel for some free time to relax.

Optional Cliffside Bar:

For those looking to end the day in style, an optional visit to one of Sharm El-Sheikh's famous cliffside lounges or bars is highly recommended. Perched above the Red Sea, these scenic venues offer breathtaking sunset views, refreshing drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere—an ideal way to celebrate another unforgettable day on Egypt's Red Sea coast.

Your 10 Days Egypt Tour ends today. Before heading to the airport/port, free exploration.

Depending on your flight/cruise schedule, the daytime is yours for free exploration or last-minute souvenir shopping in Sharm el-Sheikh.

To ensure a completely stress-free departure, your private guide and air-conditioned vehicle will be at your disposal, perfectly timed to pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) or Sharm Marina Port for your homeward flight/cruise.

We hope the memories of ancient Pyramids, golden Luxor temples, the timeless Nile stay and Sharm el-Sheikh Relaxaction with you forever. Have a safe and pleasant journey home!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your 10 Days Egypt Tour with Sharm el-Sheikh. We are always dedicated to serving you and look forward to welcoming you again for your future trips to China/Asia/Africa.