What are the main destinations covered on river cruise tours from Cairo?

Most river cruises from Cairo take you along the Nile to see Egypt's most important ancient sites. You'll visit Luxor, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Abu Simbel. During your trip, you'll explore famous places like the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Philae Temple, and the High Dam. As one TourRadar traveler put it: "From the majestic temples of Abu Simbel to the beauty of Luxor and Aswan, every stop was breathtaking and well worth exploring."

What is the best time of year for a river cruise starting from Cairo?

Plan your cruise between October and April when the weather is most comfortable, with temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Summer months from June to August get really hot in Upper Egypt, often going above 104°F (40°C). If you come in winter from December to February, you'll enjoy pleasant days around 70°F (21°C), though nights can be cool. These mild temperatures make it perfect for walking around the ancient temples along the Nile.

How do travelers get from Cairo to start their river cruise?

You can get to your cruise departure point from Cairo in two ways. Take a quick one-hour flight, which usually leaves Cairo early at 4:30 AM, heading to either Luxor or Aswan. Or choose the overnight train, which includes sleeping cabins and serves dinner and breakfast during the 10-12 hour journey. One TourRadar traveler said: "The transport arrangements were seamless - from hotel pickup to the flight and cruise embarkation."

What meals are included on river cruise tours starting from Cairo?

Your cruise includes all meals, with 3-4 meals daily starting from lunch on your first day until breakfast on the last day. The buffet meals mix international dishes with Egyptian food, and you can request vegetarian, halal, or other special meals. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food was incredibly varied with 10+ dishes to choose from plus many desserts, every meal was unique and delicious."

What optional activities are available on river cruises starting from Cairo?

You can add several exciting activities to your trip. Popular choices include floating over Luxor in a hot air balloon (costs about 100 USD), visiting Abu Simbel temples, exploring a Nubian village, watching the sound and light show at Karnak Temple, or taking a traditional felucca boat ride. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The hot air balloon ride over Luxor was magical - seeing the sunrise over the Valley of the Kings was worth every penny."

River Cruise Tours from Cairo

Have you imagined exploring the ancient Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, cruising the Nile and enjoying onboard entertainment, or visiting the temples of Luxor and Karnak? Discover the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut, and tour Alexandria's historical sites and museums. Egypt's Nile cruises are timeless, and visiting Cairo thrown in for good measure elevates your experience even further.

10 best River Cruise tour packages from Cairo

View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
River Cruise
4-Day 5-Star Nile Cruise from Cairo with Round-Trip Flights
4.8 (90 reviews)
"Cruising along the Nile River was a truly memorable experience. The guided visits made exploring Egypt feel effortless."
A, traveled in December
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cairo, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Holiday In Egypt
50% Off
From $1,299
US$650per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour

View Map
River Cruise
5 Star Nile Cruise River Journey (Full Board) From Cairo to Aswan to Luxor (Domestic Flight Included)
4.3 (4 reviews)
"The tour and package inclusions were great. The sites visited were amazing"
Randa, traveled in April
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cairo, Aswan, Agilkia Island, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu,Luxor,Valley of the Kings,Deir el-Bahri+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Egypt
50% Off
From $1,000
US$500per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
7-Day Nile Crown 5 Stars Cultural Tour: Pyramids - GEM - Abu Simbel - Deluxe Nile Cruise (By Flight)
4.9 (36 reviews)
"Clean, modern ship."
Freja, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish+4 more
Operator
TourShare
50% Off
From $2,100
US$1,050per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
08-Day Egypt & Nile Cruise with Grand Egyptian Museum Unveiling
4.9 (8 reviews)
"they went above and beyond to make our experience amazing. thank you so much for giving me the trip of a lifetime."
Jamie, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vacations to go travel
50% Off
From $2,250
US$1,125per person
+$250 upfront costs
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Nile Pearl - 5 Star Nile Cruise
4.5 (9 reviews)
"The minute we stepped off the plane the Timeless experience kicked into gear. All the accommodation on our trip was absolutely fantastic."
Julia, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Philae, Kom Ombo, Luxor,Valley of the Kings+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Timeless Tours
50% Off
From $1,281
US$640per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Nile Adventure Odyssey - Return Flights Included
4.5 (44 reviews)
"The cruise was perfect. Be carful, every optionnal tour is quite expensive."
julie, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, Valley of the Kings,Deir el-Bahri,Edfu,Kom Ombo,Aswan,Abu Simbel,Philae,Agilkia Island+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Beyond The Nile Tours
50% Off
From $2,100
US$1,050per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
7 Days ( Giza Pyramids , GEM Museum , Cairo , Aswan - Abu Simbel , Nile Cruise - Luxor ) & Sleeper Train Round Trip
5.0 (6 reviews)
"This trip was so much more than I expected. It was personalized service like I have never experienced before."
Jeanne, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Hola Egipto Tours
39% Off
From $1,200
US$732per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour
5.0 (1 review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Edfu, Aswan
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish+4 more
Operator
Egyptian Nile Adventures
25% Off
From $2,000
US$1,500per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
9 Days Egypt Tour: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel with Flights & Sightseeing
4.7 (3 reviews)
"We explored the bustling city of Cairo, visiting the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the Citadel of Saladin."
Amal, traveled in December
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Saqqarah, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan,Abu Simbel,Philae+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Nile Valley
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Russian+3 more
Operator
Egypt Tour Pro
25% Off
From
US$1,899per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Egypt: Private 5-Day Tour, Nile Cruise, Flights & Balloon
4.2 (5 reviews)
"Excellent tour of Egypt. We found the tour to be very interesting and great value."
Darren, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Abu Simbel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Nile
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish+4 more
Operator
Egyptian Nile Adventures
25% Off
From $2,164
US$1,623per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
River Cruise
Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Grand GEM Visit – Return Flights Included
4.7 (1,630 reviews) award winner
"The best way to explore and navigate Egypt."
Vicki, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Philae,Agilkia Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Beyond The Nile Tours
50% Off
From $1,950
US$975per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
5-Day 5-Star Nile Cruise from Cairo with Round-Trip Flights
4.8 (230 reviews)
"Everything we needed was catered for and all arrangement's were on time and well organised."
Trevor, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cairo, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Holiday In Egypt
50% Off
From $1,499
US$750per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Grand Egyptian GEMs: Hidden Pyramids and the Nile - Return Flight Included - 9 Days
4.7 (186 reviews)
"very helpful, went above and beyond, would recommend"
J.P., traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahri,Edfu,Kom Ombo,Aswan,Abu Simbel,Philae,Agilkia Island,Saqqarah+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Beyond The Nile Tours
50% Off
From $2,400
US$1,200per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Egypt Luxury Guided Tour W/Nile Cruise & Air 5*
4.5 (225 reviews)
"Fantastic insights into Egyptian history, culture and hospitality."
Maike, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahri, Edfu,Kom Ombo,Aswan,Philae,Agilkia Island,Abu Simbel,Giza+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Truly Egypt Tours
50% Off
From $1,780
US$890per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Around Egypt in Luxury
4.9 (16 reviews)
"Very organized trip, smooth arrangement, highly recommended indeed."
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae,Abu Simbel+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Vacations to go travel
35% Off
From $3,650
US$2,373per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour