Tour Programs
12-Day Private Egypt Tour: Cairo, Amarna, El Minya & Nile Cruise
- Pharaoh Khafre
- Ancient Monuments
- Egypt Tour
- 12 Day Egypt Tour
- Egypt Vacation
- Egypt Holiday
- Cairo
- El Minya
- Luxor
- Aswan
- Nile Cruise
- Nile River Cruise
- Deluxe Nile Cruise
- Private Egyptologist Guide
- Egyptologist Guide
- First Class Train Egypt
- Egypt Tour Package
- Private Egypt Tour
- Cairo Tour
- Luxor Tour
- Aswan Tour
- El Minya Tour
- Ancient Egypt
- Egypt Sightseeing
- Egypt Archaeology
- Egypt Travel
Tour Overview
Egypt
12 days
Cairo
Cairo
6 – 70
Yes
Yes
English Guide
B 12, L 4, D 5
Tour Style
Archeology
Private
Guided
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
- First-time visitors to Egypt who want to see the major highlights
- First-time visitors to Egypt who want to see the major highlights
- Returning Egypt travelers looking for something beyond the standard route
- History and archaeology enthusiasts
- Travelers fascinated by Akhenaten and the Amarna Period
- Travelers who want to discover lesser-known archaeologica
Trip Map
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
Align flights to your itinerary
Pick a start date and we'll place flight suggestions on the matching itinerary days.
Multi-city search from your itinerary
Set a tour start date above and we'll build the multi-city legs automatically.
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Welcome to the Land of the Pharaohs! Your Egyptian adventure begins when you arrive at Cairo International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Pickup details:- Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representatives will meet and assist you all through the formal procedures at Cairo International Airport.
- Depending on your arrival time, you will meet your Egyptologist guide either on the same day or the following day. Your guide will explain the itinerary, sightseeing schedule and activities included in your tour, You can ask him about your dreams, of course, will get true.
- Our philosophy at Explore Plus Holidays, we believe that traveling to Egypt should feel personal and welcoming. From your first arrival, our team is here to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable
Feel like you are at home between your family Guidewill advise some extra optional excursions covering rest of Egypt tours, Our optional excursions are just recommendations to help our costumers to see the most remarkable sightseeing. Which doesn't mean that we enforce them to pay extra money. No wheelchair accessible Dinner sailing cruise on the NileEvening Optional Activity:- Enjoy a relaxing
- Nile Dinner Cruise, featuring an open buffet, traditional Egyptian cuisine, live music, belly dancing, and the famous Tanoura (whirling dervish) show.
Overnight Cairo hotel- Overnight:
- Cairo hotel
- Meals:
- Welcome drink
- Visit:
- Optional activites
- Entrance Fees:
- None
Arrival flight for Day 1
Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.
TLV → CAI · pick your date
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights/tlv/cai//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/TLV-CAI/2adults?sort=bestflight_aDay 2: Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, Serapeum, Dahshur & Memphis
07:00 Breakfast 07:30 waiting for your Guide in lobby near reception 07:45 start with Guide and Private vehicle your tour After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to explore the extraordinary pyramid fields surrounding ancient Memphis. Giza Plateau – The Pyramids of EgyptBegin with one of the world's greatest archaeological landscapes: the Giza Plateau. The three principal pyramids were built as royal funerary complexes during the Fourth Dynasty for Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and oldest of the three and is the only surviving monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your guide will explain how the pyramids formed part of much larger funerary complexes containing temples, causeways, subsidiary pyramids and elite tombs. The Great SphinxContinue to the legendary Great Sphinx, the colossal limestone figure with the body of a lion and the head of a king. The Sphinx was carved directly from the bedrock and is generally associated with the reign of King Khafre, whose pyramid stands nearby. Ancient Egyptian sphinxes represented royal power by combining the body of a powerful lion with the image of the king. Take time to appreciate the Sphinx Temple and the spectacular view toward the pyramids. Saqqara – The Birthplace of Pyramid ArchitectureContinue south to Saqqara, one of Egypt's most important ancient cemeteries. Saqqara is essentially an open-air museum spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history. Its most famous monument is the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, generally regarded as the earliest monumental stone pyramid complex in Egypt. The Step Pyramid was designed by the brilliant architect Imhotep and represents a major development in ancient Egyptian architecture. Explore the pyramid complex and learn how royal burial architecture evolved from earlier mastaba tombs toward the true pyramid. Serapeum – The Sacred Apis BullsVisit the Serapeum, the underground burial complex of the sacred Apis bulls associated with the god Ptah of Memphis. The galleries contain enormous stone sarcophagi that once held the mummified remains of sacred bulls. The complex was used over many centuries and provides a fascinating insight into the religious traditions surrounding animal worship in ancient Egypt. Optional DahshurFor travelers who want to explore Egypt's pyramid development further, an optional visit to Dahshur can be added. Dahshur is home to the famous Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid of King Sneferu, monuments that represent important stages in the evolution from stepped pyramids to the smooth-sided pyramids that became the classic Egyptian form. Memphis – Ancient Capital of EgyptComplete the day at Memphis, one of the most important cities in ancient Egyptian history. Memphis was founded traditionally around the beginning of the unified Egyptian state and served as a major political and religious center for more than three millennia. It was particularly associated with the god Ptah. The wider Memphis necropolis includes the famous pyramid fields stretching from Giza through Saqqara to Dahshur. See the enormous colossus of Ramesses II and the alabaster sphinx before returning to Cairo. OvernightCairo available hotels- Overnight:
- Cairo hotel
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Visit:
- The Pyramids of Egypt The Great Sphinx Saqqara Serapeum – The Sacred Apis Bulls
- Entrance Fees:
- 20$
Day 3: Cairo to El Minya by First-Class Train: Beni Hassan & Tell el-Amarna
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo's railway station for your first-class daytime train journey toward El Minya.Upon arrival, meet your local Egyptologist guide and begin exploring one of Egypt's most fascinating archaeological regions. Beni Hassan – Life in Middle Kingdom EgyptYour first major visit is Beni Hassan, a spectacular collection of rock-cut tombs overlooking the Nile Valley. The cemetery contains tombs belonging to powerful officials from the First Intermediate Period and Middle Kingdom. Several of the decorated tombs preserve remarkable scenes of everyday life, including farming, hunting, crafts, music, games, wrestling and military activities. Unlike the monumental royal tombs of Giza, Beni Hassan offers a more personal window into ancient Egyptian society. The colorful wall scenes help visitors understand what people ate, how they worked, how they entertained themselves and how Egyptians imagined life and death. Tell el-Amarna – The City of AkhenatenContinue to Tell el-Amarna, the archaeological remains of Akhetaten, the extraordinary capital established by Pharaoh Akhenaten during the Amarna Period. Akhenaten, originally known as Amenhotep IV, introduced a radical religious transformation centered on the Aten, represented as the sun disk. He moved the royal court away from Thebes and created a new capital in Middle Egypt. The city was carefully planned, with royal, religious and administrative buildings arranged along the Royal Road. The surrounding cliffs contain tombs belonging to important officials and members of the royal administration. Explore the remains of this fascinating ancient capital and learn about:- Akhenaten's religious revolution
- The Aten cult
- The royal family of Akhenaten and Nefertiti
- The distinctive Amarna artistic style
- The Northern Tombs
- The Southern Tombs
- The Tomb of Ay
- The Tomb of Mahu
- The transformation of Egyptian religious art and architecture
Tell el-Amarna is particularly special because it offers a rare opportunity to explore an ancient Egyptian capital that was occupied for a relatively short period before being abandoned. OvernightSavoy Minya hotel- Overnight:
- Savoy Minya Hotel
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Visit:
- Beni Hassan Tell el-Amarna – The City of Akhenaten
- Entrance Fees:
- 00$
- Train:
- First-Class seats Train
Day 4: Tuna el-Gebel, Hermopolis & Train to Luxor
After breakfast, continue exploring the archaeological treasures of Middle Egypt. Tuna el-GebelVisit Tuna el-Gebel, the ancient necropolis associated with Hermopolis Magna. The site contains a remarkable combination of Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary remains. Among its highlights are the Tomb of Petosiris, the Tomb of Isadora, sacred animal catacombs and the famous Boundary Stelae associated with Akhenaten's Amarna project. The sacred animal catacombs are particularly fascinating. The area was connected with the worship of Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god associated with wisdom, writing and knowledge. The Tomb of Petosiris is especially interesting because its decoration demonstrates the blending of Egyptian and Hellenistic artistic traditions. El-Ashmunein / Ancient HermopolisContinue to the remains of Hermopolis Magna, ancient Khmunu, a major religious center associated with the god Thoth. The archaeological landscape includes remains from several historical periods, including Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, Roman and Christian periods. Among the surviving features are temple remains and monumental baboon statues associated with Thoth. After the sightseeing, transfer to the railway station for your journey to Luxor. Arrive in Luxor and transfer to your hotel. OvernightAracan Luxor Hotel- Overnight:
- Aracan Luxor Hotel
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Visit:
- Tuna el-Gebel El-Ashmunein / Ancient Hermopolis
- Entrance Fees:
- 1$
Day 5: Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Nobles, Ramesseum & Medinet Habu
Today discover the quieter side of the West Bank of Luxor, where ancient Egyptian officials and pharaohs built magnificent tombs and mortuary temples. Valley of the NoblesVisit the Valley of the Nobles, where the tombs of high-ranking officials preserve colorful scenes depicting daily life in ancient Egypt. Unlike royal tombs that focused heavily on the king's journey into the afterlife, many noble tombs contain detailed scenes of agriculture, food production, family life, religious ceremonies, music and work. These paintings provide an invaluable picture of Egyptian society during the New Kingdom. Ramesseum – Mortuary Temple of Ramesses IIContinue to the Ramesseum, the great mortuary temple of Ramesses II, one of Egypt's most celebrated pharaohs. The temple was dedicated to the king's mortuary cult and the god Amun. Its surviving reliefs include scenes related to the famous Battle of Kadesh, religious ceremonies and royal achievements. The enormous remains of the temple give visitors a sense of the scale and ambition of Ramesses II's building projects. Medinet Habu – Temple of Ramesses IIIContinue to Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III. It is one of the best-preserved major temple complexes on Luxor's West Bank. Its walls contain impressive reliefs depicting military campaigns, religious ceremonies and royal achievements, including battles against the Libyans and the Sea Peoples. After the tour, return to your hotel. OvernightAracan Luxor Hotel- Overnight:
- Aracan Luxor Hotel
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Visit:
- Valley of the Nobles Ramesseum Medinet Habu – Temple of Ramesses III
- Entrance Fees:
- 11$
Day 6: Karnak & Luxor Temple: Begin Your Nile Cruise
Early Breakfast waiting for your Guide in lobby near reception Today your Egypt journey moves from land to water. Meet you private Guide and driver for East Bank tour, and begin your Nile Cruise adventure. Karnak TempleThe largest religious complex ever built, dedicated mainly to the god Amun-Ra. Built and expanded over nearly 2,000 years by generations of pharaohs, it is famous for its massive Hypostyle Hall with 134 towering columns. Check in to your 5-star Nile Cruise. Luxor TempleBeautifully illuminated at night, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship. Connected to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes, it remains one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Overnight Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan on FB- Overnight:
- Nile Cruise Luxor
- Meals:
- B,L,D
- Visit:
- Karnak temple Luxor temple
- Entrance Fees:
- 20$
Day 7: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon
Very early breakfast, so will visit the Wast Bank, we may be take a motor boat to save our time Valley of the KingsThe royal burial site of Egypt's New Kingdom pharaohs. More than 60 richly decorated tombs have been discovered here, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Temple of Queen HatshepsutA spectacular terraced temple built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. It honors Egypt's most successful female pharaoh and is considered one of the masterpieces of ancient Egyptian architecture. Colossi of MemnonTwo gigantic stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, each standing about 18 meters high. They are among the few remains of his once magnificent mortuary temple. Return to the cruise and sail toward Edfu. Overnight Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan on FB- Overnight:
- Nile Cruise sailing
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Visit:
- Valley of Kings Hatchepsut temple Memnon
- Entrance Fees:
- 24$
Day 8: Sail to Edfu & Kom Ombo
Wake up to the changing scenery of the Nile Valley as your cruise continues south. Edfu TempleTravel by traditional horse-drawn carriage to the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu. Edfu is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples. Construction began during the Ptolemaic Period and the temple was dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god associated with kingship. Explore the massive entrance pylons, courtyards, columns and sanctuary while your Egyptologist explains the mythology and symbolism carved into the walls. The temple's excellent state of preservation allows visitors to appreciate the architecture of an ancient Egyptian temple almost as it appeared in antiquity. Return to the ship and continue sailing toward Kom Ombo. Kom Ombo TempleVisit the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, famous for its unusual double design. The temple was dedicated to two deities:- Sobek, the crocodile god
- Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god
The temple contains two parallel axes and two sanctuaries, reflecting its dedication to two divine traditions. Its reliefs also include fascinating scenes connected with religious rituals, calendars and ancient medical knowledge. Return to the cruise and sail onward toward Aswan. Overnight Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan on FB- Overnight:
- Nile Cruise sailing
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Visit:
- Edfu temple Kom Ombo temple
- Entrance Fees:
- 15$
Day 9: Aswan & Optional Abu Simbel
Breakfast on the cruise. Then the guide will take you in a mysterious journey to secrets of South. Arrive in the beautiful southern city of Aswan, historically one of Egypt's gateways to Nubia. Optional Abu Simbel ExcursionToday you have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most extraordinary ancient monuments. The complex was built by Ramesses II and includes two monumental temples carved into the rock. The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramesses II, while the smaller temple is associated with Queen Nefertari. Abu Simbel forms part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian monuments between Abu Simbel and Philae. These monuments were threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam and were famously relocated through an international preservation campaign led by UNESCO. After the visit, return to Aswan and your Nile cruise. Overnight Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan on FB- Overnight:
- Nile Cruise Aswan
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Visit:
- Optional Abu Simbel
- Entrance Fees:
- 23$
Day 10: Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Optional Philae
Today discover the highlights of Aswan. Aswan High DamVisit the Aswan High Dam, one of the most significant engineering projects in modern Egyptian history. The dam transformed the management of the Nile's annual flooding and created Lake Nasser. Its construction also led to one of the greatest archaeological rescue operations in history, as major monuments in Nubia were relocated to protect them from rising waters. Unfinished ObeliskContinue to the ancient granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk. This enormous monument provides a fascinating insight into how ancient Egyptian craftsmen extracted and shaped granite. The unfinished monument remains connected to the bedrock, allowing visitors to see evidence of the techniques used by ancient stone workers. Optional Philae TempleTake an optional boat excursion to Philae Temple, beautifully situated on Agilkia Island. The principal temple was dedicated to Isis, one of the most important goddesses in ancient Egyptian religion and the mother of Horus. The temple complex remained active into the Roman and early Christian periods. Philae was relocated as part of the Nubian monuments rescue project following the construction of the Aswan dams. Sleeper Train to CairoIn the evening, transfer for your overnight sleeper train from Aswan to Cairo. For travelers who prefer to save time, a flight upgrade from Aswan to Cairo may be available at an additional supplement. Overnight Sleeper trainAccommodation: Two-bed cabin - Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight Sleeper Train with Dinner- Overnight:
- Sleeper Train
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Visit:
- High Dam Unfinished Obelisk
- Entrance Fees:
- 20$
- Train:
- Aswan / Cairo
Day 11: Arrival in Cairo & Old Cairo
After breakfast, arrive in Cairo and meet your private guide. Today discover a very different side of Egypt: Coptic and Jewish Cairo. The Hanging ChurchVisit the famous Hanging Church, one of the most important historic churches in Old Cairo. The church is traditionally associated with Egypt's ancient Coptic Christian heritage and is renowned for its beautiful interior, wooden details and historic religious significance. Ben Ezra SynagogueContinue to the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Cairo's most important Jewish heritage sites. The synagogue reflects the long and diverse history of Egypt's Jewish community and forms part of the historic religious landscape of Old Cairo. Old CairoWalk through this remarkable historic district, where Christian, Jewish and Islamic heritage developed within the same part of the city. After the tour, transfer to your Cairo hotel and relax. OvernightCairo available hotels- Overnight:
- Cairo hotel
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Visit:
- The Hanging Church Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Entrance Fees:
- 00$
Day 12: Departure: Say Goodbye to Egypt
You will enjoy one last breakfast in the magical Land of the Pharaohs Check out from your hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight Say Goodbye to the PharaohsBook Your Private Egypt Adventure Experience Egypt beyond the usual tourist route. From the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx to the mysterious capital of Akhenaten at Tell el-Amarna, from the remarkable tomb paintings of Beni Hassan to the royal tombs of Luxor, and from the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo to the monumental Abu Simbel—this is Egypt as a complete historical journey. Travel privately, explore at a comfortable pace and discover the stories behind the monuments with an experienced Egyptologist guide. Ready to Discover the Real Egypt? Contact Explore Plus Holidays today to check availability, receive your personalized quotation and start planning your private Egypt adventure. Your Egypt. Your Journey. Your Memories.- Overnight:
- Flight
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Return flight after Day 12
Departure flights for the last day of your itinerary.
CAI → TLV · pick your date
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights/cai/tlv//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/CAI-TLV/2adults?sort=bestflight_a
Nights You Will Stay
- Hotel: Cairo – 3 Nights
- Hotel: El Minya – 1 Night
- Hotel: Luxor – 2 Nights
- Nile Cruise: 4 Nights
- Sleeper Train: 1 Night
- Guide: a company sailing cruise
- Pyramids View: with extra charge
- Nile View: with extra charge
Meals
Included
- Breakfast: Breakfast: 11
- Lunch: Lunch: 4
- Dinner: Dinner: 5
- Nile Cruise: Full board for 4 nights
- Sleeper Train: Breakfast and dinner
Meal arrangements may vary slightly according to the final operational schedule.
What Makes This Tour Special?
- Few Egypt tours connect the most famous monuments of the Nile Valley with the fascinating archaeological landscape of Middle Egypt.
What's included & what's not
Tap an item to build your own package — remove what you don't need, add the extras you want, then send the summary with your inquiry.
Included (11/11)
Not included (0 added)
Pricing
Essentials
- 4-star hotels
- Private Guide & Driver
Signature
- 5-star Superior hotels
- Private Guide & Driver
Luxury
- 5-star hotels
- Private Guide & Driver
Additional Extras
Extended your tour stay
Up-grade your Hotel
Up-grade you Nile Cruise
Good To Know
What is an optional tour?+
Is this a private Egypt tour?+
How to write a good review for a tour?+
How do you compliment your tour guide?+
How can I give my review?+
Can I upgrade the sleeper train to a flight?+
Can I visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun?+
Book Now — Pay Now
$2 / per person
Secure payment via PayPal
$2 / adults · $2 / children
Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).
Send Inquiry
About this tour
Additional information
Confirmation
You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.
Documents
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.
Pick-up
Airport and hotel transfers are arranged as listed in the itinerary; your guide meets you with a name sign.
Group size
Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.
Accessibility
Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.
Children
Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.
Cancellation & refund policy
30 days or more before departure
100% refund
15 – 29 days before departure
50% refund
14 days or less before departure
No refund
- • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
- • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
- • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
- • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
- • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Egypt to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
No similar tours have been picked yet — browse our full collection to find your next adventure.
Browse all tours →