2-Week Nile Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Nile itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar

• 13 Day Egypt Itinerary, incl. Cairo and Luxor

  A 13-day Nile region tour showcases a 3-night luxury cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Watch history unfold at 6 major temples including Philae, Kom Ombo, and Karnak. Package includes full board on cruise, expert guiding, and internal flight from Luxor to Cairo.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Cairo & Alexandria

    Start in Cairo and drive north to Alexandria (3 hours). Leave Cairo early to avoid the heavy morning traffic. Visit the Roman catacombs and modern Library of Alexandria. Take an evening walk along the Corniche promenade where you can cool off with Mediterranean breezes.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Alexandria & El Alamein

    Explore Alexandria's seafront markets and Montazah Palace Gardens in the morning. Drive to El Alamein (2.5 hours west) to visit the World War II memorials. Visit the museum in the morning before it gets too hot.

    
  • Day 5

    Giza & Saqqara

    Get to the Pyramids of Giza by 8 AM before the crowds arrive. Get your best photos from the panoramic viewpoint near the parking area. Visit Saqqara's Step Pyramid complex after lunch. Bring plenty of water since there's minimal shade on the limestone plateau.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Cairo to Aswan

    Start at the new Grand Egyptian Museum in the morning when the lighting is ideal. Take the overnight train to Aswan (13-14 hours). Book your sleeper cabin early since they fill up fast. Spend your first day in Aswan visiting Philae Temple by boat.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Nile Cruise

    Take a cruise from Aswan to Luxor with a stop at Kom Ombo Temple. Consider visiting Abu Simbel. It's expensive ($200-300) but as travelers say, "absolutely worth the early 4 AM wake-up call." The temples look incredible at sunrise.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Luxor

    Start early at the Valley of the Kings to beat the heat and crowds. A recent visitor noted: "The tomb of Seti I was extraordinary but requires a special ticket - buy it first thing as they limit daily visitors." Visit Karnak Temple in late afternoon to see the shadows play across the stone columns.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Cairo

    Take a 1-hour flight back to Cairo. Visit Khan el-Khalili bazaar after 4 PM when it's cooler and more active. You'll find better prices here than at tourist spots, so leave space in your luggage.

    

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• 12 Days in Egypt, incl. Cairo and Luxor

  This 12-day route spans 6 Egyptian cities along the Nile, featuring 7 nights cruising from Luxor to Aswan. The Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Karnak Temple complex in Luxor await. Philae Temple and High Dam in Aswan complement traditional felucca sailing and high tea at historic Old Cataract Hotel.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Cairo & Luxor

    Begin your trip in Cairo and take an evening to adjust to the time zone. Book a hotel near the Nile in Zamalek or Garden City for convenient access to sites. On Day 2, take a morning flight to Luxor (1 hour) and visit the vast Karnak Temple complex. A fellow traveler shares: "Get to Karnak early before the intense midday heat sets in. The Hypostyle Hall's 134 columns are most photogenic in morning light."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Nile Cruise to Aswan

    Start your Nile cruise heading south. Visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera and continue to Edfu. Watch the ship pass through the Esna Lock from the deck. In Aswan, visit the High Dam and unfinished obelisk. Wear light breathable clothes since deck temperatures often reach 100°F (38°C).

    
  • Days 5-6

    Aswan & Philae

    Take a morning boat to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, which was moved piece by piece when the Aswan Dam was built. You can opt for the Abu Simbel trip but prepare for a 4am departure. Have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel with Nile views. Take a felucca boat ride for sunset photos.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Return Cruise to Luxor

    Stop at Kom Ombo temple, unique for honoring both the crocodile god Sobek and falcon god Horus. Enjoy downtime between sites. Watch for Luxor Temple lit up along the river bank as you approach the city.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Valley of the Kings & Cairo

    Start early at the Valley of the Kings to beat crowds and heat. One visitor notes: "Bring cash for the extra fee to see King Tut's tomb - it's worth it." Back in Cairo, explore the Citadel and Mohammed Ali Mosque. Visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum to see Tutankhamun's artifacts.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Pyramids & Departure

    End your trip at the pyramids. Visit Saqqara's Step Pyramid first, then the Great Pyramids of Giza. Go early morning or late afternoon for better photos and fewer people. Buy separate tickets to enter the pyramids. Book afternoon flights home since Cairo morning traffic can be unpredictable.

    

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• 14 Day Egypt Itinerary, incl. Cairo and Luxor

  The 14-day Nile expedition features a 5-star cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Witness Abu Simbel temples, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, and Edfu, showcasing the river's most significant archaeological sites and ancient temples.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Cairo & Alexandria

    Start in Cairo to adjust to the time zone. One traveler shared: "Get to the pyramids early - Khaled our guide timed everything perfectly to avoid the biggest crowds." Begin with a full day at the Giza pyramid complex and Saqqara. Visit the step pyramid at Saqqara first to understand the historical context before seeing the Great Pyramids. Plan a day trip to Alexandria (3 hours each way) to explore the Roman catacombs and new library. Back in Cairo, spend a morning at the Egyptian Museum. Visit early because the King Tut exhibits get very crowded later. In the afternoon when it's cooler, visit the Hanging Church and Coptic Cairo.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Aswan & Abu Simbel

    Book a morning flight to Aswan to start your Nile cruise portion. Visit the High Dam and take a boat to Philae Temple. The next day requires a 4 AM start to Abu Simbel. The 3-hour drive is long but seeing these massive temples before the heat is essential. A recent visitor noted: "Abu Simbel was awe-inspiring - absolutely don't skip this even though it's an early wake-up call."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Nile Cruise to Luxor

    Cruise north with stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu temples. The Edfu temple is particularly well-preserved. Take the horse carriage ride there for some local flavor. In Luxor, visit the temple at night when it's cooler and beautifully lit. Spend a full day on the West Bank starting with Valley of the Kings in the morning. Follow with Queen Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Visit the massive Karnak Temple complex in late afternoon.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Red Sea Resort Break

    Drive 4 hours to Hurghada for beach time. Take a snorkeling trip to Orange Bay to see coral reefs. Try the sunset desert safari with quad bikes and Bedouin dinner on your second day after getting some rest. The Red Sea offers excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions with clear water.

    
  • Day 14

    Return to Cairo

    Take a morning flight back to Cairo to avoid common afternoon delays. Spend your final day in Islamic Cairo and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar before departing.

    

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