Highlights of Egypt

Name: Highlights of Egypt
Brand: Stamps Tours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (55 reviews)

Destinations:

Cairo
Luxor
Aswan

Culture LoverImmerse yourself in stories, flavors, and local life.

Private TourEnjoy a private, tailored experience

Fully Guided

8 Days

Low IntensityExpect some light physical activities

Guided in English

Plan My Trip

A classic journey through the heart of Egypt, bringing together the ancient wonder of Cairo, the sacred temples of Luxor, and the timeless beauty of the Nile as you cruise towards Aswan.

This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience Egypt’s most iconic sites in a smooth, enriching and restorative way — from the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum to the temples, river landscapes and slow rhythm of life along the Nile.

Please note: The below itineraries are sample programs and can be customized according to your preferences. Duration, route, excursions, and onboard experiences can all be adjusted to create a more personalized journey.

Minor changes to the itineraries may occur due to unforeseen circumstances related to navigation and sailing conditions on the Nile.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

~ Your journey begins in Cairo, where our team will welcome you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

⟣ After check-in, take the rest of the day to settle in, relax after your flight and ease into the rhythm of Egypt.

☽ In the evening, enjoy your first dinner at a local restaurant, giving you a gentle introduction to Cairo’s atmosphere, hospitality and flavours.

Day 2: Pyramids & Grand Egyptian Museum

⟁ After breakfast at the hotel, step into the world of ancient Egypt with a visit to the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

⟣ Standing before these timeless monuments offers a powerful introduction to Egypt’s history, mystery and scale.

⭒ Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to some of the country’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures and stories.

☽ After a full day of discovery, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Cairo to Luxor & Nile Cruise Check-in

~ After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer privately to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor.

⟣ Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your Nile cruise, where you can settle in and enjoy lunch on board as the journey begins to unfold.

⟁ In the afternoon, step into the ancient world of Luxor’s East Bank, visiting the magnificent Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.

☽ In the evening, return to the cruise for a relaxed dinner on board and your first night on the Nile.

Day 4: Luxor West Bank & Sail to Esna

~ Wake up on the Nile and enjoy breakfast on board before crossing into one of Egypt’s most extraordinary archaeological landscapes: the West Bank of Luxor.

⟁ Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs were laid to rest, before continuing to the striking Hatshepsut Temple and the iconic Colossi of Memnon.

⟣ Later, return to the cruise for lunch on board as you begin sailing towards Esna, watching the river scenery shift around you.

☽ Spend the evening relaxing on the water before enjoying dinner on board and overnighting in Esna.

Day 5: Edfu & Kom Ombo

~ Continue your journey along the Nile as the cruise sails towards Edfu, with breakfast on board as the morning begins.

⟁ Visit Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and a powerful window into the ancient world.

⟣ Sail onwards to Kom Ombo, enjoying lunch on board as the river carries you through rural landscapes, palm-lined banks and timeless Nile scenery.

⟁ In the afternoon, explore Kom Ombo Temple, a unique riverside double temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus.

☽ End the day with dinner on board as the cruise continues towards Aswan, settling into the slow rhythm of the river.

Day 6: Aswan

~ Wake up in Aswan, a city known for its calmer pace, golden landscapes and beautiful position on the Nile.

⟁ After breakfast on board, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.

⟣ Continue to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set on an island surrounded by the river.

☽ Return to the cruise for lunch on board, time to relax by the Nile, and a peaceful dinner on board in Aswan.

Day 7: Aswan to Cairo

~ Enjoy your final breakfast on board before checking out from the Nile cruise.

⟣ You will then transfer privately to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo.

⚘ Upon arrival, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy your final evening in the city.

Day 8: Departure from Cairo

~ Enjoy your final breakfast in Cairo before checking out from the hotel.

⟣ Our team will transfer you privately to Cairo Airport for your onward journey.

High-End Accommodation Options

Cairo

7 luxury stays

Hyatt Centric Cairo West

5-star hotel near the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum

Experience the captivating fusion of Egyptian history and culture through art at this remarkable hotel.

Hyatt Regency Cairo West

5-star Hotel near Giza Pyramids

Hyatt Regency Cairo West boasts spectacular views over one of the world’s greatest wonders, the Giza Pyramids. Located in the midst of Cairo’s cultural and commercial hub

Marriott Mena House Cairo

5-star hotel near the Pyramids & Sphinx in Cairo

Experience the wondrous beauty of the Pyramids from Marriott Mena House, Cairo. A frequent stop for dignitaries and celebrities.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

5-star hotel located in downtown Cairo

Located in downtown Cairo, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is a 30-storey luxury hotel with panoramic Nile River views, world-class dining, an award-winning spa.

The St. Regis Cairo

5-Star Riverfront Hotel with Nile Views

Situated in the heart of Egypt’s burgeoning new administrative capital. This 5-star New Cairo hotel is the perfect retreat for state officials, business leaders, and families seeking an unforgettable and extraordinary experience.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

5-Star hotel near the Nile

Set in the heart of downtown Cairo between the iconic Nile River and Tahrir Square, The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo embodies timeless luxury and a storied legacy.

Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City

5-Star Luxury Hotel in Cairo

With a prime downtown location on the banks of the River Nile, our five-star luxury hotel is the ideal city haven, with panoramic views over the Nile.

Luxor & Aswan Cruise / Dahabiya Options

11 luxury stays

Historia Nile Cruise

a luxury 5-star boutique vessel that sails between Luxor and Aswan

Blending old-world elegance (inspired by Art Deco design and Agatha Christie’s mystery era) with modern sophistication, it offers an intimate, exclusive way to explore ancient Egyptian wonders.

Kazazian Dahabiya

an ultra-luxurious, small-ship sailing experience along the Nile

Operating two flagship superyachts, the Kazazian Berge and Kazazian Arax, the fleet accommodates up to 20 guests in highly exclusive, private itineraries.

El Nur Dahabiya

traditional, twin-masted Egyptian sailing vessel for multi-day Nile river cruises

El Nur Tours offers Egyptian-led Nile tours by dahabiya that are authentic, ethical, and sustainable.

Oberoi Philae Nile Cruiser

an ultra-luxury Nile cruiser offering 4- and 6-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan

Known for its intimate, boutique feel and expert Egyptologists, it features exceptionally large suites, gourmet dining, and a 36-foot swimming pool.

Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruiser

Premier, five-star luxury Nile cruiser offering 4, 5, and 7-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan

Known for its intimate, boutique feel, the ship features just 25 luxury cabins and 2 expansive suites. It boasts an a la carte restaurant, a full-service spa, and an open-air swimming pool.

Al Mourad Dahabiya

An intimate, luxury dahabiya that navigates the Nile between Luxor and Aswan

Rooted in a second-generation family legacy, it offers a deeply personal, slow-paced alternative to large commercial cruise ships, focusing on privacy, authenticity, and refined design.

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

ultra-luxury, Art Deco-style Nile riverboat operated by Sanctuary Retreats

Exclusive 3-, 4-, and 10-night sailings between Luxor and Aswan, accommodating a maximum of 80 guests to ensure highly personalized service and guided archaeological excursions.

Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise

5-star, vintage French-styled luxury Nile cruise ship sailing between Luxor and Aswan

The newest ship of the Sonesta Nile fleet is the Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise, with 47 Deluxe, 6 Presidential Suites, 3 Elite Suites and 1 Royal Suite

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

5-star luxury Nile cruise ship sailing between Luxor and Aswan

Featuring elegant art-deco interiors, 74 upscale cabins, and stellar onboard amenities like gourmet dining, a spa, and a sun deck with a plunge pool and Jacuzzi.

M/S Tosca Nile Cruise

An elite, 5-star luxury boutique vessel operating on the Nile River.

Launched in 2009 and renowned for its old-world sophistication, it features authentic artwork, rich wood paneling, and top-tier amenities for an intimate, upscale sailing experience.

Uniworld River Tosca

ultra-luxurious, all-suite river cruise ship operated by Uniworld.

Exclusively sailing the Nile River in Egypt, the vessel accommodates just 82 guests. It provides a boutique, high-end sanctuary with nearly a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, paired with expert Egyptologist guides for immersive shore excursions.

Luxor Hotel Options

2 luxury stays

Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor

5-star luxury hotel situated on the East Bank of the Nile River

Famous for its sweeping river views, proximity to ancient landmarks like the Luxor Temple, and rich Egyptian-inspired elegance, it serves as a premier base for exploring the region.

Al Moudira Hotel

An enchanting, artfully crafted boutique hotel on Luxor's West Bank

Blending Moorish and Oriental architecture, the palatial hideaway features individually decorated rooms, lush courtyards, and an outdoor pool.

Aswan Hotel Options

2 luxury stays

Zen Wellness Resort

A premier luxury retreat situated in New Aswan

Managed by MGM Health & Wellness, it is focused on deep relaxation and personal renewal, located away from the typical city center hustle

Kato Dool Nubian Resort

Vibrant, eco-friendly retreat built into the hills of Aswan's Nubian Village

Overlooking the Nile River and the yellow desert hills, it features 32 brightly colored, culturally immersive rooms adorned with handmade decor and organic fabrics.

Why Book with Stamps?

Transformational Retreats

Retreats designed with leading facilitators that focus on meaningful change, connection, and personal growth, not just sightseeing.

Siwa And Desert Specialists

Hidden-oasis and desert expeditions with one of the few operators that truly knows Siwa and Egypt’s remote landscapes.

Hosted Like A Local Friend

A dedicated English-speaking host travels with you, acts as your liaison, and never leaves you

Private Access To Pyramids And Temples

Enjoy privately arranged entries to iconic sites, giving your group rare, crowd-free moments.

Flexible And Fair Policies

Traveler-friendly terms and generous flexibility, without rigid policies that add stress to planning.

Giving Back To Local Communities

Most tourism takes more than it gives. We make sure every experience you have puts money, opportunity, and pride back into the hands of locals.

Is it safe to visit Egypt?

Absolutely! Egypt is a welcoming destination with measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors. With our guided tours, you'll always be accompanied by knowledgeable local guides who prioritize your safety and comfort.

Do I need a Visa?

Most visitors require a visa to enter Egypt. Depending on your nationality, you can either apply for an e-visa online before your trip or get a visa on arrival at the airport. When booking one of our guided tours, we’ll assist you with visa advice to make the process seamless.

What should I pack?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the warm days and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in winter. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring historical sites. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun, as well as a reusable water bottle. For visits to mosques or conservative areas, modest clothing is recommended. Don’t forget your swimsuit for the Red Sea or hotel pools and a power adapter for Egyptian outlets! (Type C or F).

Is this the best itinerary for a classic Egypt experience?

Yes. This is one of the strongest classic Egypt itineraries because it combines Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, a Nile cruise, and the ancient temple landscapes of Luxor and Aswan. It is ideal for travellers who want to see Egypt’s most iconic highlights in one smooth journey.

What is the pace of this itinerary like?

This itinerary can be arranged with different cruise or dahabiya options depending on budget, availability and preferred style. High-end options may include Historia Nile Cruise, Al Mourad Dahabiya, Kazazian Dahabiya, El Nur Dahabiya, Oberoi Philae, Oberoi Zahra, Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, Sonesta St. George, MS Mayfair, M/S Tosca or Uniworld River Tosca.

Will we have a guide during the historical visits?

Yes. Guided visits can be arranged throughout the journey. A knowledgeable guide or Egyptologist helps bring the temples, tombs and ancient stories to life, making the experience much richer than simply walking through the sites independently.

Is the Nile cruise relaxing or mostly sightseeing?

It is both. The cruise allows you to see many major sites without constantly packing and unpacking, while also giving you moments to rest between visits. The rhythm of the Nile, the meals on board and the changing river scenery make this itinerary feel more spacious than a fully overland trip.

Can the cruise order or route change?

Is this itinerary suitable for families or older travellers?

Yes, this itinerary can work well for families, couples, solo travellers and older guests. Some temple visits involve walking, uneven ground and heat depending on the season, so we can adjust the pace, transport and guiding style where needed.